A New Paradigm in AI-Convergent Translation:Simulacra, Simulation, and Cultural Fidelity

In the digital AI era, translation has evolved beyond linguistic conversion into a dynamic process of creating new meanings and cultural exchanges. This study examines AI translation's dual role as a replicative and generative tool through Jean Baudrillard’s concepts of simulacra and simulation. Case studies of French and Korean meme translations and the literary work Le Petit Prince highlight AI's strengths in linguistic fidelity but reveal challenges in conveying cultural nuances, emotional depth, and philosophical intent. The research emphasizes the necessity of human-AI collaboration, with translators redefined as “designers of meaning” to bridge AI's limitations. Recommendations include ethical standards, collaborative models, and dataset diversification to enhance AI translation's cultural fidelity. This study envisions AI translation as a transformative tool for global communication, balancing technological innovation with human creativity.