Cognitive Translation Studies: Models and methods at the cutting edge
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52034/lanstts.v19i0.593Keywords:
Cognitive Translation Studies (CTS), Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies (CTIS), models, methodology, criticism, reliability, validityAbstract
Several indicators seem to suggest that, through nearly six decades of development, Cognitive Translation Studies (CTS) may be taking shape as an autonomous field of study. The main challenges ahead seem to be building sounder theoretical models and carrying out more rigorous methodological scrutiny. These two strands converge as central themes in the 11 contributions to this special issue of LANS-TTS. To provide a context for theoretical modelling and to frame critical discussions of the methods included in this volume, we first trace the present landscape of CTS and how it evolved so as to test Holmes’ criteria for disciplines: founding new channels of communication and sharing a “disciplinary utopia”. The contributions are arranged into four thematic categories as applied to CTS, namely, scientometrics, framing or reframing our field, the reliability and validity of popular research methods, and new methods or novel approaches. This article closes with a call to reflect on some fundamental issues on the next steps of humankind regarding communication, with ever-growing societal demands and expectations that call for refreshing our notions of translation in the context of increasingly diversified forms of multilectal mediated communication.
References
Alves, F., & Hurtado Albir, A. (2017). Evolution, challenges, and perspectives for research on cognitive aspects of translation. In J. W. Schwieter & A. Ferreira (Eds.), The handbook of translation and cognition (pp. 537–554). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119241485.ch29
Alves, F., Hurtado Albir, A., & Lacruz, I. (Eds.). (2015). Translation as a cognitive activity [Special issue]. Translation Spaces, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.4.1
Alves, F., & Jakobsen, A. L. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge handbook of translation and cognition. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315178127
Bajo Molina, M.T., Padilla Benítez, P., Muñoz Martín, R., Padilla, F., Gómez, C., Puerta, C. M., Gonzalvo, P., & Macizo, P. (2001). Comprehension and memory processes in translation and interpreting. Quaderns: Revista de Traducció, 6, 27–31.
Bayer-Hohenwarter, G. (2009). Methodological reflections on the experimental design of time-pressure studies. Across Languages and Cultures, 10(2), 193–206. https://doi.org/10.1556/Acr.10.2009.2.2
Bell, R. T. (1991). Translation and translating: Theory and practice. Longman.
Blasco Mayor, M. J., & Jiménez Ivars, A. (Eds.). (2011). Interpreting naturally: A tribute to Brian Harris. Peter Lang. https://doi.org/10.3726/978-3-0351-0306-9
Bogucki, Ł. (2020). A relevance-theoretic approach to decision-making in subtitling. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-51803-5
Bolaños Medina, A. (2016). Translation psychology within the framework of translator studies: New research perspectives and pedagogical implications. In C. Martín de León & V. González-Ruiz (Eds.), From the lab to the classroom and back again: Perspectives on translation and interpreting training (pp. 59–100). Peter Lang.
Buchweitz, A., & Alves, F. (2006). Cognitive adaptation in translation: An interface between language direction, time, and recursiveness in target text production. Letras de Hoje 41, 241–272.
Buzelin, H. (2005). Unexpected allies: How Latour’s network theory could complement Bourdieusian analyses in translation studies. The Translator, 11(2), 193–218. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556509.2005.10799198
Carl, M. (2010). A computational framework for a cognitive model of human translation processes. Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Translating and the Computer. 18–19 November 2010, London. http://mt-archive.info/Aslib-2010-Carl.pdf
Carl, M. (2013). A computational cognitive model of human translation processes. In S. Bandyopadhyay, S. K. Naskar & A. Ekbar (Eds.), Emerging applications of natural language processing: Concepts and new research (pp. 110–128). IGI Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-2169-5.ch005
Carl, M., Bangalore, S., & Schaeffer, M. (Eds.). (2016). New directions in empirical translation process research. Exploring the CRITT TPR-DB. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20358-4
Carl, M., Tonge, A., & Lacruz, I. (2019). A systems theory perspective on the translation process. Translation, Cognition & Behavior, 2 (2): 211–232. https://doi.org/10.1075/tcb.00026.car
Danks, J. S., Shreve, G. M., Fountain, S. B., & McBeath, M. K. (Eds.) (1997). Cognitive processes in translation and interpreting. Sage Publications.
Diamond, B. J., & Shreve, G. M. (2010). Neural and physiological correlates of translation and interpreting in the bilingual brain: Recent perspectives. In G. M. Shreve & E. Angelone (Eds.), Translation and cognition (pp. 289–322). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/ata.xv.16dia
Dong, Y., & P. Li. (2020). Attentional control in interpreting: A model of language control and processing control. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 23(4), 716–728. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728919000786
Ehrensberger‐Dow, M. (2014). Challenges of translation process research at the workplace. MonTI, 7(2), 355–383. https://doi.org/10.6035/MonTI.2014.ne1.12
Ehrensberger-Dow, M., & Englund Dimitrova, B. (Eds.). (2016). Cognitive space: Exploring the situational interface [Special issue]. Translation Spaces, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.5.1
Ehrensberger-Dow, M., Englund Dimitrova, B., & Hubscher-Davidson, S. (Eds.). (2014). The development of professional competence [Special issue]. Translation and Interpreting Studies, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.9.1
Ehrensberger-Dow, M., Englund Dimitrova, B., Hubscher-Davidson, S., & Norberg, U. (Eds.). (2015). Describing cognitive processes in translation. Acts and events. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/bct.77
Enríquez Raído, V. (2014). Translation and Web Searching. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203798034
Ericsson, K. A., & Simon, H. A. (1980). Verbal reports as data. Psychological Review, 87(3), 215–251. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.87.3.215
Ericsson, K. A., & Simon, H. A. (1993). Protocol analysis: Verbal reports as data. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/5657.001.0001
Fabbro, F., & Gran, L. (1994). Neurological and neuropsychological aspects of polyglossia and simultaneous interpretation. In S. Lambert & B. Moser-Mercer (Eds.), Bridging the gap: Empirical research in simultaneous interpretation (pp. 273–317). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.3.21fab
Fabbro, F., & Gran, L. (1997). Neurolinguistic aspects of simultaneous interpretation. In Y. Gambier et al. (eds.) Conference interpreting: Current trends in research (pp. 9–27). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.23.02fab
Ferreira, A. & Schwieter, J. W. (Eds.). (2015). Psycholinguistic and cognitive inquiries into translation and interpreting. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.115
Frey, L. R., Botan, C. H., & Kreps, G. L. (1991). Investigating communication: An Introduction to research methods. Prentice Hall.
García, A. M. (2019). The neurocognition of translation and interpreting. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.147
García, A. M., & Giozza, M. C. (Eds.). (2019). Cognitive explorations of translation and interpreting [Special issue]. Perspectives, 27(4).
Gerver, D., & Sinaiko, H. W. (1978). Language interpretation and communication. Plenum Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9077-4
Gile, D. (1995a). Basic concepts and models for interpreter and translator training. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.8(1st)
Gile, D. (1995b). Interpretation research: A new impetus? Hermes, 14, 15–29. https://doi.org/10.7146/hjlcb.v8i14.25100
Gile, D. (1999). Testing the Effort Models’ tightrope hypothesis in simultaneous interpreting—A contribution. HERMES, 12(23), 153–172. https://doi.org/10.7146/hjlcb.v12i23.25553
Giozza, M., Jääskeläinen, R., Mellinger, C. D., & Rodríguez-Inés, P. (Eds.). (2015). Translation process research [Special issue]. Translation & Interpreting, 7(1).
Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging influences. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage handbook of qualitative research 3rd ed. (pp. 191–216). Sage Publications.
Gutt, E.-A. (1991). Translation and relevance: Cognition and context. Blackwell.
Halverson, S. L. (2010). Cognitive Translation Studies: Developments in theory and method. In G. M. Shreve & E. Angelone (Eds.), Translation and cognition (pp. 349–369). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/ata.xv.18hal
Halverson, S. L. (2013). Implications of Cognitive Linguistics for translation studies. In A. Rojo & I. Ibarretxe-Antuñano (Eds.), Cognitive Linguistics and translation: Advances in some theoretical models and applications (pp. 31–73). Mouton de Gruyter.
Halverson, S. L. (2017). Multimethod approaches. In J. W. Schwieter & A. Ferreira (Eds.), The handbook of translation and cognition (pp. 195–212). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119241485.ch11
Halverson, S. L., & Muñoz Martín, R. (2020). The times, they are a-changin’. Multilingual mediated communication and cognition. In R. Muñoz & S. Halverson (Eds.), Multilingual mediated communication and cognition (pp. 1–17). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429323867-1
Hansen, G. (2005). Experience and emotion in empirical translation research with think-aloud and retrospection. Meta, 50(2), 511–521. https://doi.org/10.7202/010997ar
Hansen-Schirra, S., Czulo, O., & Hofmann, S. (Eds.). (2017). Empirical modelling of translation and interpreting. Language Science Press. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1089335
Harris, B. (1977). The importance of natural translation. Working Papers on Bilingualism, 12, 96–114.
Holmes, J. S. (1972/2000). The name and nature of translation studies. In L. Venuti (Ed.) The Translation Studies reader (pp. 172–184). Routledge.
House, J. (2013). Towards a new linguistic-cognitive orientation in translation studies. Target, 25(1), 46–60. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.25.1.05hou
House, J., & Blum-Kulka, S. (1986). Interlingual and intercultural communication: Discourse and cognition in translation and second language acquisition. Gunter Narr.
Hubscher-Davidson, A. (2017). Translation and emotion. A psychological perspective. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315720388
Hurtado Albir, A. (Ed.). (2017). Researching translation competence by PACTE group. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.127
Jääskeläinen, R. (2012). Translation psychology. In Y. Gambier & L. van Doorslaer (Eds.), Handbook of translation studies (Vol.3, pp. 191–197). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/hts.3.tra14
Jääskeläinen, R. (2017). Verbal reports. In J. W. Schwieter & A. Ferreira (Eds.), The handbook of translation and cognition (pp. 213–231). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119241485.ch12
Jääskeläinen, R., & Lacruz, I. (2018). Translation – cognition – affect – and beyond. Reflections on an expanding field of research. In I. Lacruz & R. Jääskeläinen (Eds.), Innovation and expansion in translation process research (pp. 1–16). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/ata.18.01jaa
Jäger, G. (1975). Translation und Translationslinguistik. Niemeyer.
Jakobsen, A. L. (2003). Effects of think aloud on translation speed, revision, and segmentation. In F. Alves (Ed.), Triangulating translation: Perspectives in process oriented research (pp. 69–95). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.45.08jak
Jakobsen, A. L. (2014). The development and current state of translation process research. In L. van Doorslaer, R. Meylaerts & E. Brems (Eds.), The known unknowns of translation studies (pp. 65–88). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/bct.69.05jak
Jakobsen, A. L., & Mesa Lao, B. (Eds). (2017). Translation in transition: Between cognition, computing and technology. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.133
Jakobsen, A. L., & Schou, L. (1999). Translog Documentation Version 1.0. In G. Hansen (Ed.), Probing the process of translation: Methods and results (Appendix 1, pp. 1–36). Copenhagen Studies in Language 24. Samfundslitteratur.
Kade, O. (1968). Zufall und Gesetzmäßigkeit in der Übersetzung. VEB Verlag Enzyklopädie.
Kiraly, D. (1995). Pathways to translation: Pedagogy and process. The Kent State University Press.
Kiraly, D. (2000). A social constructivist approach to translator education. Empowerment
from theory to practice. St. Jerome.
Klimant, P., Tieber, M., & Risku, H. (Eds.). (2018). Expertise and behaviour: Aspects of Cognitive Translation Studies [Special section]. HERMES. Journal of Language and Communication in Business, 57.
Korpal, P. (2016). Interpreting as a stressful activity: Physiological measures of stress in simultaneous interpreting. Poznań Studies in Contemporary Linguistics, 52(2), 297–316. https://doi.org/10.1515/psicl-2016-0011
Korpal, P., & Jasielska, A. (2019). Investigating interpreters’ empathy: Are emotions in simultaneous interpreting contagious? Target, 31(1), 2–24. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.17123.kor
Koskinen, K. (2020). Translation and affect. Essays on sticky affects and translational affective labour. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.152
Kruger, J. L., Soto-Sanfiel., M. T., Doherty, S., & Ibrahim, R. (2016). Towards a cognitive audiovisual translatology: Subtitles and embodied cognition. In R. Muñoz Martín (Ed.), Reembedding translation process research (pp.171–194). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.128.09kru
Lacruz, I., & Jääskeläinen , R. (Eds.). (2018). Innovation and expansion in translation process research. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/ata.xviii
Latour, B. (2007). Reassembling the social: An introduction to Actor Network Theory. Oxford University Press.
Li, D., Lei, V. L. C., & He, Y. (Eds.). (2019). Researching cognitive processes of translation. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1984-6
Massey, G. (2019). The bigger picture: experiential learning from the classroom to the organization. In D. Kiraly & G. Massey (Eds.) Towards authentic experiential learning in translator education (pp. 210–231). Cambridge Scholars.
Mellinger, C. D., & Hanson, T. A. (2017). Quantitative research methods in translation and interpreting studies. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315647845
Moscovici, S. (1984). The phenomenon of social representations. In R. Farr & S. Moscovici (Eds.), Social representations (pp. 3–69). Cambridge University Press.
Muñoz Martín, R. (2010). On paradigms and Cognitive Translatology. In G. M. Shreve & E. Angelone (Eds.), Translation and cognition (pp. 169–187). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/ata.xv.10mun
Muñoz Martín, R. (2014). A blurred snapshot of advances in translation process research. MonTI Special Issue – Minding translation 1, 49–84. https://doi.org/10.6035/MonTI.2014.ne1
Muñoz Martín, R. (Ed.). (2014). Minding translation / Con la traducción en mente [special issue] MonTI, 1.
Muñoz Martín, R. (2016a). Reembedding translation process research: An introduction. In R. Muñoz Martin (Ed.), Reembedding translation process research (pp. 1–20). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.128.01mun
Muñoz Martín, R. (2016b). Processes of what models? On the cognitive indivisibility of translation acts and events. Translation Spaces, 5(1), 145–161. https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.5.1.08mun
Muñoz Martín, R. (2017). Looking toward the future of Cognitive Translation Studies. In J. W. Schwieter & A. Ferreira (Eds.), The handbook of translation and cognition (pp. 555–571). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119241485.ch30
Muñoz Martín, R. & González Fernández, C. A. (in press). Cognitive Translatology: A primer, revisited. 语言、翻译与认知 (Studies in Language, Translation & Cognition).
Muñoz Martín, R., & Halverson, S. L. (Eds.). (2020). Multilingual mediated communication and cognition. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429323867
Muñoz Martín, R. & Martín de León, C. (2020). Translation and cognitive science. In F. Alves & A. L. Jakobsen. (Eds.). The Routledge handbook of translation and cognition. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315178127-5
Muñoz Martín, R., & Xiao, K. (Eds.). (2020). Cognitive Translation Studies: Theoretical models and methodological criticism [Special issue]. Linguistica Antverpiensia, New Series – Themes in Translation Studies, 19.
Neubert, A. (1994). Competence in translation: A complex skill, how to study and how to teach it. In M. Snell-Hornby, F. Pöchhacker & K. Kaindl (Eds.), Translation Studies. An interdiscipline (pp. 411–420). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.2.48neu
Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a science of translating. Brill.
Nitzke, J. (2019). Problem solving activities in post-editing and translation from scratch. Language Science Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429030376-5
O’Brien, S. (2013). The borrowers: Researching the cognitive aspects of translation. Target, 25(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.25.1.02obr
Pinter, I. (1969). Der Einfluss der Übung und Konzentration auf simultanes Sprechen und Hören. [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Vienna.
Ramos Caro, M. (2015). The emotional experience of films: does audio description make a difference? The Translator, 21, 68–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556509.2014.994853
Ransdell, S., Barbier, M.‐L., & Niit, T. (2006). Metacognitions about language skill and working memory among monolingual and bilingual college students: When does multilingualism matter? International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 9(6),728–741. https://doi.org/10.2167/beb390.0
Risku, H. (2014). Translation process research as interaction research: From mental to socio-cognitive processes. MonTI Special Issue — Minding Translation, 331–353. https://doi.org/10.6035/MonTI.2014.ne1.11
Risku, H., Rogl, R., & Milošević, J. (Eds.). (2017). Translation practice in the field. Current research on socio-cognitive processes. [Special issue] Translation Spaces 6 (1). https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.6.1
Rojo López, A. M., & Ramos Caro, M. (2016). Can emotion stir translation skill? Defining the impact of positive and negative emotions on translation performance. In R. Muñoz Martín (Ed.), Reembedding translation process research (pp. 107–130). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.128.06roj
Saldanha, G., & O’Brien, S. (2014). Research methodologies in translation studies. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315760100
Sandrock, U. (1982). ‘Thinking-aloud Protocols’ (TAPs)—Ein Instrument zur Dekomposition des complexen Prozesses ‘Übersetzen’. [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Kassel.
Schweizer, T. (1996) Muster sozialer Ordnung: Netzwerkanalyse als Fundament der Sozialethnologie. D. Reimer.
Schwieter, J. W., & Ferreira, A. (2017). Bilingualism in cognitive translation and interpreting studies. In J. W. Schwieter & A. Ferreira (Eds.), The handbook of translation and cognition (pp.144–164). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119241485.ch8
Seeber, K. (2011). Cognitive load in simultaneous interpreting: Existing theories–New models. Interpreting, 13 (2), 176–204. https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.13.2.02see
Seeber, K. (2013). Cognitive load in simultaneous interpreting: Measures and methods. Target, 25 (1), 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.25.1.03see
Seleskovitch, D. (1968). L'interprète dans les conférences internationales: problèmes de langage et de communication. Minard.
Shreve, G. M., & Diamond, B. J. (2016). Cognitive neurosciences and the information processing paradigm. In Y. Gambier & L. van Doorslaer (eds.), Border crossings: Translation Studies and other disciplines (pp. 141–167). John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.126.07shr
Sperber, D., & Wilson, D. (1986). Relevance: Communication and cognition. Blackwell.
Stachowiak-Szymczak, K. (2019). Eye movements and gestures in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19443-7
Su, W. (2020). Eye-tracking processes and styles in sight translation. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5675-3
Szarkowska, A., & Gerber-Morón, O. (2018). Viewers can keep up with fast subtitles: Evidence from eye movements. Plos ONE, 13(6), e0199331. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0199331
Szarkowska, A., Krejtz, K., Dutka, Ł. , & Pilipczuk, O. (2016). Cognitive load in intralingual and interlingual respeaking: A preliminary study, Poznań Studies in Contemporary Linguistics, 52(2), 209–233. https://doi.org/10.1515/psicl-2016-0008
Teixeira, C., & O'Brien, S. (2017). Investigating the cognitive ergonomic aspects of translation tools in a workplace setting. Translation Spaces, 6(1), 79–103. https://doi.org/10.1075/ts.6.1.05tei
Timarová, S. (2008). Working memory and simultaneous interpreting. In P. Boulogne (Ed.), Translation and its others: Selected papers of the cetra research seminar in translation studies 2007 (pp. 1–28). KU Leuven Centre for Translation Studies.
Toury, G. (1991). Experimentation in translation studies: Achievements, prospects and some pitfalls. In S. Tirkkonen-Condit (Ed.), Empirical research in translation and intercultural studies (pp. 45–66). Narr.
Tuominen, T., Jiménez Hurtado, C., & Ketola, A. (2018). Why methods matter: Approaching multimodality in translation research. Linguistica Antverpiensia, New Series: Themes in Translation Studies, 17, 1–21.
Vieira, L. Nunes. (2014). Indices of cognitive effort in machine translation post-editing. Machine Translation, 28, 187–216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10590-014-9156-x
Walker, C. (2020). An eye-tracking study of equivalent effect in translation. The reader experience of literary style. Springer.
Walker, C., & Federici, F. M. (Eds.). (2018). Eye tracking and multidisciplinary studies on translation. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.143
Whyatt, B. (Ed.). (2016). Language processing in translation [Special issue]. Poznan Studies in Contemporary Linguistics, 52(2).
Wilss, W. (1996). Knowledge and skills in translator behaviour. John Benjamins. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.15
Xiao, K., & Halverson, S. L. (Eds.). (In press). Developments in Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies [Special issue]. Cognitive Linguistic Studies, 8(2).
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under the CC BY-NC 4.0 Deed that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal. The material cannot be used for commercial purposes.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
