Translators’ language competence in technology-mediated contexts: Building on past conceptualizations and charting future directions

Abstract

Language competence is the driving force behind and the basis for advanced translation competence, yet rapid technological change requires it to be reconsidered in light of current professional realities. Against this backdrop, the article discusses the past and present conceptualizations, definitions, and changing manifestations of translators' language competence, with particular emphasis on technology-mediated contexts, including revision, machine translation post-editing, AI-supported translation, and potential future developments. It argues that communicative language competence remains foundational, while the competences needed to analyse, explain, evaluate and manage linguistic problems in human and technology-generated texts are becoming particularly salient. Among these, diagnostic competence, conceptualised as a part of a broader analytical competence, assumes particular importance. On this basis, the article proposes a tentative, technology-neutral definition of translators’ language competence and identifies directions for future research. Keywords: translators’ language competence, communicative language competence, analytical competence, diagnostic competence, technology-mediated translation contexts