Translating in the AI era: A phenomenological study of Arabic language students' use of Deepl translate

Faisol, Faisol ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7671-5699, Mamluatul Hasanah, Mamluatul Hasanah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7671-5699 and Muh Thahilal Jahidul Hasyb, Muh Thahilal Jahidul Hasyb (2025) Translating in the AI era: A phenomenological study of Arabic language students' use of Deepl translate. AL-IRFAN: Journal of Arabic Literature and Islamic Studies, 8 (1). pp. 646-657. ISSN 2622-9838

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Abstract

This study explores students’ perceptions of using DeepL Translate in translating Arabic assignments. The increasing adoption of AI-based translation tools among students offers convenience and efficiency, yet raises issues of accuracy, contextual understanding, and academic dependency. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, five active students of the Arabic Language Education Study Program at IAIN Kendari were purposively selected as participants. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically. The findings reveal three major perception patterns: (1) critical use, where two students utilized DeepL as an initial aid while revising outputs manually; (2) pragmatic dependence, where two others relied entirely on the tool due to limited mastery of nahwu and sharaf; and (3) reflective evaluation, where one participant verified translations through peer
discussion and comparison with other sources. Although all
participants acknowledged DeepL’s speed and ease of use, they
also noted frequent inaccuracies in translating Islamic and
scientific texts. The study concludes that DeepL can enhance
comprehension and efficiency when used reflectively, but
pedagogical guidance is essential to strengthen linguistic
awareness, translation competence, and ethical responsibility in
AI-assisted translation.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Additional Information:	faisal@pba.uin-malang.ac.id
Keywords:	DeepL Translate, Penerjemahan, Persepsi Mahasiswa, Fenomenologi, Bahasa Arab.
Subjects:	20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2004 Linguistics > 200409 Arabic Linguistics
Divisions:	Faculty of Economics > Department of Management
Depositing User:	Faisol Faisol
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 11:23

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