Translating Colour Idioms From English To Arabic Using Artificial Intelligence Tool, Gemini AI

Abstract

Translation of colour idiomatic expressions, particularly using Artificial Intelligence (AI), remains an uncharted domain that this study seeks to explore. This research aims to examine the translation strategies employed by Gemini AI while translating idiomatic expressions with a colour component from English into Arabic. A total of 170 English colour idioms were collected from various online dictionaries to be examined using Baker’s (1992) idiom translation strategies, which served in this study as the theoretical framework. The data were analysed qualitatively to determine which strategies were employed in translating sentences containing colour idioms. The findings indicate that the most frequently used strategy is paraphrasing making it the dominant strategy, followed in order by: using an idiom of similar meaning and form (UISMF); then comes the literal translation (LT) strategy; using an idiom of similar meaning but dissimilar form (UISMDF), the ‘Others’ category; and the least employed strategy was translation by omission (TbO). The study concludes that Gemini AI demonstrates considerable potential in translating colour idioms, effectively conveying their meanings through different strategies. However, due to its occasional inconsistencies, the tool should not be fully relied upon. Instead, it should be used as a powerful tool to assist human translators.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Humanities and Social Science