Beyond post-editing: A project-based module on MT and LLM integration for trainee translators

Alina Karakanta


Abstract
With the rapid technologisation of translation, skills beyond post-editing (PE), such as data literacy, technology evaluation, and critical engagement with AI-based tools are becoming essential competencies for trainee translators. This paper presents a syllabus for a translation technology module that equips MA Translation students with end-to-end technology assessment skills, from engine selection and domain adaptation to automatic and human evaluation, post-editing, and reporting results. Large language models are integrated throughout, as translation engines, as a basis for prompting and domain adaptation strategies, and as a source of explainable quality estimation signals. Students apply these skills in a simulated client scenario as project-based learning. Trends on students’ engine selection and customisation preferences observed across three years suggest a gradual shift towards LLM-based tools, but traditional engines and built-in options remain a firm presence in their practices.
Anthology ID:
2026.taitt-1.7
Volume:
Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Teaching AI-Based Translation and Technologies (TAITT 2026)
Month:
June
Year:
2026
Address:
Tilburg, the Netherlands
Editors:
Ralph Krüger, Dorothy Kenny, Sheila Castilho, Sergi Álvarez-Vidal, Nora Aranberri, María Isabel Rivas Ginel, Janiça Hackenbuchner
Venues:
TAITT | WS
SIG:
Publisher:
European Association for Machine Translation
Note:
Pages:
52–62
Language:
URL:
https://aclanthology.org/2026.taitt-1.7/
DOI:
Bibkey:
Cite (ACL):
Alina Karakanta. 2026. Beyond post-editing: A project-based module on MT and LLM integration for trainee translators. In Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Teaching AI-Based Translation and Technologies (TAITT 2026), pages 52–62, Tilburg, the Netherlands. European Association for Machine Translation.
Cite (Informal):
Beyond post-editing: A project-based module on MT and LLM integration for trainee translators (Karakanta, TAITT 2026)
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PDF:
https://aclanthology.org/2026.taitt-1.7.pdf