https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1037 Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:26:26 GMT 2026-11-08T14:26:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150601 Title: A human-centered framework for multilingual AI dubbing : quality metrics, taxonomy, and evaluation checklists Authors: Spiteri Miggiani, Giselle Abstract: This paper proposes a human-centered, multidimensional framework to support practitioners and trainees in producing and evaluating multilingual AI dubbing. It introduces a systematic suite of modular tools for professional localization workflows and academic training. This toolkit expands the Script, Speech, and Sound (SSS) Quality framework (Spiteri Miggiani, 2024) by integrating three new measures: a Vocal Identity Taxonomy (VIT) to systematically map vocal persona and voice casting; a Synthesis Validation Checklist (SVC) to identify and mitigate synthetic audio artifacts and processing glitches; and a holistic product-level Express QC Model utilizing “Approve, Improve, Redo” metrics. The paper outlines practical strategies to implement this extended AI dubbing quality framework within industry quality control pipelines. Furthermore, it demonstrates how emerging hybrid workflows redefine the linguist's role, positioning the human expert as an indispensable decision-maker in navigating linguistic, emotional, and cultural resonance. To facilitate practical application and provide conceptual foundations for this evolving field, the article includes supplementary materials, comprising practical templates, an operational toolkit, and a glossary of key terms. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150601 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149390 Title: Translating identities : cultural and linguistic mediation within the Colombian community in Malta Abstract: The present study analyses the experience of Colombian migrants in Malta in regards communication in a multilingual environment determined by Spanish, English and Maltese. Rather than approaching communication as a purely linguistic process, the present research understands it as a social and cultural practice through which identity is expressed, negotiated and how this study proves it, transformed. The central argument is that what Colombian migrants do in their everyday interactions goes beyond language learning and/or cultural adaptation; it is a form of cultural translation, in which meaning is continuously mediated across languages and social/cultural settings. The study emphasises in a combination of theoretical frameworks, including Hofstede's cultural dimensions, Hall's high- and low-context communication theory, Li Wei's concept of translanguaging, Communication Accommodation Theory and the concept of linguistic and cultural mediation developed by Carreras i Goicoechea and Pérez Vázquez. All theories together enable research that analyses how cultural values also influence communication and the dynamic, social nature of everyday language use in a migration environment. A qualitative approach was also implemented, combining a semi-structured online survey completed by 30 Colombians residing in Malta and a focus group discussion with three participants. The findings of this study demonstrate that language use is based on contextual situations, with Spanish representing language as an identity mediator for Colombians, English as the main tool for professional and intercultural relationships, and Maltese entering participants' vocabulary gradually through social exposure. Also, as demonstrated in the data collection phase, code-switching is a central feature of Colombians' everyday communicative practices, determined by group dynamics as well as social motivations. Moreover, communication challenges can be both cultural and linguistic wise, depending on individual reasons, and participants are actively mediating in their own interactions through a variety of strategies explained through the research. Most significantly in this study, it was found that the influence of Maltese goes beyond English, but also impacts Spanish’s participants, calling for a process that affects the whole communicative repertoire of a person rather than a single language. Furthermore, this study contributes to translation studies by demonstrating that cultural translation is present in everyday life, not only in professional or literary contexts as it was traditionally believed, and that the Colombian community in Malta represents a rich and underexplored case to understand how language, identity, culture and meaning are understood in a multilingual migration setting like Malta. Description: M.Trans.(Melit.) Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149390 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149199 Title: Marino Faliero di Casimir Delavigne : ricezione, ideologia e strategie traduttive nella prima metà dell’ottocento Authors: Portelli, Sergio Abstract: Questo saggio analizza la ricezione e la traduzione in Italia della tragedia Marino Faliero (1829) di Casimir Delavigne durante la prima metà dell'Ottocento. Il contributo esamina nel dettaglio le strategie traduttive, le inclinazioni ideologiche e le scelte stilistiche adottate dai tre traduttori italiani dell'opera: Luigi Raspi (1829), Gaetano Buttafuoco (1838) e Alfonso Porro Schiaffinati (1855). Attraverso l'analisi comparativa delle versioni in prosa e in versi, il testo evidenzia come ciascun traduttore abbia rielaborato l'originale francese in funzione dei propri obiettivi individuali, dei condizionamenti della censura dell'epoca e dell'inserimento dell'opera nel polisistema letterario e teatrale italiano dell'Ottocento. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149199 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148657 Title: Is machine translation reliable in the legal field? A corpus-based critical comparative analysis for teaching ESP at tertiary level Authors: Giampieri, Patrizia Abstract: This paper is aimed at exploring whether and how machine translation (MT) can be relied on in the legal field. To this aim, clauses excerpted from a distribution agreement are translated from Italian into English by using the Deepl machine translation platform. In order to assess the reliability and quality of the translation, a corpus of distribution agreements written in English as a first language and as a lingua franca is composed. The contracts are sourced from the Onecle.com platform, and the reference corpus is built semi-automatically by using the BootCaT software solution. In order to retrieve documents drafted in international English and hence validated by international lawyers or businesspeople, advanced search techniques are applied. The corpus is then consulted by using the AntConc offline concordancer, and the MT is compared with corpus evidence. The paper findings highlight shortcomings in the MT related to legal formulae. Word order is sometimes incorrect and the system specificity of the legal language in the target text remains unaddressed. The paper calls for future improvements in MT software, and reports the need for translators and translation students to be acquainted with legal language style and writing conventions. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148657 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z