TRANSLATION AS CULTURAL MEDIATION IN DIGITAL GLOBAL SPACES

Abstract

This study examines the fundamental transformation of translation's role as a form of cultural mediation in contemporarydigital global spaces. In the context of rapid development of communication technologies and globalization processes, traditional translation practices are undergoing cardinal changes, evolving from simple interlingual transfer to complex forms of cultural dialogueand identity representation in digital environments. The methodological approach of the study is based on the integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis. A systematic review of recent academic literature (2020–2025) and detailed analysis of the functioningof leading digital translation platforms allowed for the formation of a comprehensive understanding of current trends in the translationfield. The empirical base consists of data from over 2,800 translation projects, with particular attention paid to projects involving Ukrainian-English language pairs as source or target languages. The research results demonstrate that digital translation transcendsthe boundaries of traditional linguistic transformation, integrating multimodal elements, technological innovations, and dynamicforms of cultural adaptation. Three key aspects of digital translation transformation have been identified: first, the cardinal change in translator agency, where translators function as cultural curators and mediators in digital environments; second, the formation of a new paradigm of multimodal mediation through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine translation; third, the emergenceof collaborative digital translation communities that act as collective cultural mediators. The theoretical contribution of the study lies in developing an integrated model of digital cultural mediation that synthesizes technological capabilities with humanistic aspects of translation activity. This model emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of the human factor as a carrier of cultural-aesthetic values, while acknowledging the potential of technologies in expanding intercultural communication possibilities and creating new forms of cultural exchange in the globalized digital world.