https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129098 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 03:30:08 GMT 2026-06-02T03:30:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129613 Title: The interference of Maltese in English retour interpreting Abstract: When interpreters work from their native, or first, language (L1) into a non-native, or second, language (L2), this is known as ‘retour’ (L1àL2). In this regard, Maltese-to-English (MTàEN) retour — where Maltese is the L1 and English the L2 — is a common language combination among Maltese interpreters working for European Union (EU) institutions, considering the relatively few speakers of Maltese compared to those of English. In Malta’s linguistic landscape, the influence of Maltese on English has given rise to a variety known as ‘Maltese English’ (ME), and interpreters specialising in MTàEN retour undergo training to minimise potential crosslinguistic interference. This dissertation seeks to identify elements and qualities in L2 EN which demonstrate an influence of L1 MT, and how the L2 EN spoken by Maltese interpreters differs to the general ME spoken in Malta. In the process, this will provide the first empirical and qualitative data for MTàEN and expand on the existing quantitative data for this language combination. The data substantiating this study was collected through observational research of 17 MTàEN performances during European Parliament (EP) plenary sessions throughout the 2019–2024 mandate. The findings during the analysis, in turn, suggest that interpreters demonstrate noticeable yet varying degrees of influence of L1 MT during MTàEN, particularly in phonology, and that this influence is generally comparable to the ME spoken by L2 EN speakers outside of an interpreting context. Description: M. Interp. (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129613 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129611 Title: A comparative study of technical and creative text translation : evaluating the performance of ChatGPT Abstract: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, for machine translation (MT) tasks. One notable feature of generative AI systems is that users can provide instructions to guide the output. This capability presents both opportunities and challenges in the field of Translation Studies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the quality of MTs generated by ChatGPT (GPT-3.5). The impact of prompting techniques on translation quality is also analysed in order to gain insights into optimising the use of generative AI in translation workflows. The study employed three distinct prompts – zero-shot prompt, context prompt, and few-shot with context prompt – to translate both a technical and a creative task for the English-German language pair. The raw MT outputs were manually annotated based on the DQF-MQM (Dynamic Quality Framework - Multidimensional Quality Metrics) framework, and the results of these annotations were then compared. The analysis revealed that the majority of errors concern style. The translations produced using the simple zero-shot prompt outperform those generated with the other two more complex prompts. However, the longer prompts led to a steady reduction in stylistic errors, while accuracy errors increased. This dissertation demonstrates that ChatGPT can generate coherent document translations when using a simple prompt. Description: M.Trans.(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129611 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129610 Title: Inclusive language in German interlingual subtitling : a comparative analysis of queer terminology and gender-inclusive language in the Netflix original One Day at a Time and the web Series Hetero Abstract: Given the challenges in the German language when it comes to queer terminology and gender inclusivity, this comparative analysis aims to shed light on the translation strategies used in the adoption of gender-inclusive language and queer terminology in the German interlingual subtitles of the English-language Netflix Original One Day at a Time and the YouTube web series Hetero, produced by Third Charm Films, recognising that some nuances and connotations associated with the English terms may be difficult to capture accurately in German. Furthermore, in choosing two different video platforms, a secondary aim is to explore the difference between translation practices employed by the industry and platforms making use of community-generated translation. By examining how inclusive language is integrated into the subtitles, we can gain insights into the evolving understanding of queer representation in media and its impact on translation choices. Highlighting these nuances can foster improved representation, sensitivity and enhance inclusive language practices in the subtitling process for queer content. The taxonomy for this research is based on Spiteri Miggiani (forthcoming, 2024) and Henrik Gottlieb (1992). Description: M. Interp. (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129610 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129609 Title: Maltese versus English subtitles : investigating local viewer preference in the case of foreign productions Abstract: This applied and reception study aims to determine whether Maltese audiences prefer Maltese or English subtitles for foreign productions. The study utilises user-centred experimental research. Participants are presented with excerpts from various productions in different foreign languages, each with two versions: one featuring Maltese subtitles and the other English subtitles. Before and after viewing both versions, participants respond to a series of questions leading to a final question about their preferred version. To broaden the scope in terms of source languages, existing target or pivot language translations are used for reference. However, all videos are subtitled from scratch to ensure technical consistency and adherence to a single set of guidelines, minimising variables in the study. The primary research question seeks to determine whether Maltese residents prefer Maltese subtitles over English subtitles. The initial expectation is that Maltese subtitles are preferred by the native speakers. However, the lack of habituation to Maltese subtitles and the increasing availability of English-subtitled productions may influence this preference. This dissertation aims to answer this question, considering all relevant factors, and provides the necessary data to analyse and compare the results. Description: M. Interp. (Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129609 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z