Sight Translation and written translation. A comparative Analysis of causes of problems, Strategies and Translation Errors within the PACTE Translation Competence Model

This paper presents a comparative empirical exploratory study of some cognitive aspects of the oral and written translation process within the translation competence construct. This research has a twofold objective: finding some evidence of specific translation competence skills in translation tasks and comparing these data in sight translation and written translation in order to empirically check if sight translation can really be considered an interpreting modality. A sample of 22 Translation and Interpretation students after the final last year examinations was used. They performed a sight translation and a written translation of the same text and answered retrospective questionnaires regarding causes of problems, and strategies used to solve them. Errors were assessed afterwards using three basic criteria: non-sens, faux sens and contresens. Results showed quantitative and qualitative differences in number of problems, their causes and strategies used. It also revealed more errors in sight translation. Qualitative results have been successfully incorporated to the PACTE translation competence model showing that empirical data corroborate the theoretical model. Specific results also show that psycho-physiological components are more relevant in sight translation, as it is the case in interpreting modalities, and knowledge about translation referring to reexpression, deverbalization, master of translation units is more relevant in written translatio

Telephone interpreting for asylum seekers in the US: a corpusbased study

This paper addresses the asylum seekers’ right to language access and specifically the provision of telephonic interpreting services for people crossing the US southern border. An overview of the language access situation is presented in relation to basic asylum seekers’ rights. The fundamentals of interpreting professionalism in this realm are also reviewed. The study aim is to examine interpreters’ perceptions of their work environment as contractors for the two major language service providers working with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the US Department of Homeland Security. For this purpose, a corpus study was conducted based on online reviews posted on job search engines by current or past interpreter contractors. Findings identify perceptions of several inadequate management practices that negatively affect the work environment, job satisfaction and professional demands in terms of required qualifications, testing, training and supervision. The flaws observed point to an absence of the professional standards and motivation required to enable quality performance and therefore, professionalism. A proposal to offer professional services by engaged citizens is made

Variedades de interpretación: modalidades y tipos

The wide range of modes, functions and features in interpreting demands criteria to differentiate interpreting varieties. This paper seeks to establish categories useful for research, training and profession. Two kinds of criteria have been applied. Those referring to the continuity of speech, leading to interpreting modalities, and those referring to communicative goals in different situations, leading to interpreting types. Interpreting modalities can be simultaneous or consecutive. Among simultaneous varieties the use or not of electronic equipment or the relation between the source and the target text result in submodalities. Consecutive modalities can be dialogical or monological. Each modality features specific aspects regarding channel, speech mode, communication skills, genre and special requirements. Interpreting types consider conference, audiovisual, professional, community and court environments. Each type shows specificities as far as participants, modalities and genres are concerned.El amplio rango de modos, funciones y rasgos que rodean la interpretación requiere criterios diferenciadores para categorizar variedades. La presente propuesta busca categorías útiles para la investigación, la formación y la profesión. Se han empleado criterios relativos a la continuidad o discontinuidad del discurso oral, que conforman las modalidades de interpretación y criterios relativos a los objetivos de comunicación en cada situación de uso, que conforman los tipos de interpretación. Las modalidades pueden ser simultáneas y consecutivas. Entre las primeras el uso o no de medios electrónicos y la relación del texto origen con el texto meta da lugar a submodalidades. Las modalidades consecutivas pueden ser dialógicas y monológicas. Cada submodalidad presenta características propias respecto al canal, modo de discurso, destrezas comunicativas, condicionamientos específicos y géneros. Los tipos recogen la interpretación de conferencias, audiovisual, para profesionales, social y de tribunales. Cada tipo presenta características propias de participantes, modalidades y géneros

Impartiality and accuracy as a case in point while interpreting in a refugee context

This paper examines the fundamentals of professionalism focusing on the code of ethics as a pivotal parameter. Attention is paid to the difficulties of implementing two of the core principles of codes of ethics for interpreting in a refugee context: impartiality and accuracy. The aim of this article is to explore interpreters’ appreciation of these principles and self-identification with them versus actual observance in refugee settings. Ninety-six US-based interpreters completed a survey on self-perceptions regarding adherence to the principles and real actions performed. Findings show that a high number of interpreters do not comply with the principles despite having previously declared their full endorsement and self-identification with them. Impartiality presented more deviations than accuracy. Internal and external demands have proven to be stronger than adherence to the code. Calls to rethink and refine codes of ethics for interpreting in a refugee context are also presented

Mindfulness training for interpreting students

In this work we present the results of a study aimed at increasing performance quality in conference interpreting trainees through the development of the attention–regulatory practice of mindfulness. A review of the basic concepts of attention is presented as well as a review of the role of attention in interpreting as an extremely cognitive demanding task. The authors also introduce and review the concept of mindfulness from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Stress in interpreting is also addressed as a factor that may influence performance. An experimental study is presented in which focused attention practices are compared to relaxation practices in relation to performance in interpreting trainees

Aptitudes necesarias en la formación de intérpretes : un estudio exploratorio

El trabajo analiza las competencias que tienen una mayor influencia sobre el rendimiento en interpretación en la modalidad de traducción a la vista. Con un diseño experimental de carácter exploratorio se pone a prueba el efecto de tres componentes de la competencia para la interpretación (control de la ansiedad, memoria a corto plazo y rapidez de reflejos orales) sobre el rendimiento, a partir de una muestra de 22 sujetos. Los resultados obtenidos indican que sólo la rapidez de reflejos orales influye en el rendimiento. El análisis de comparación por grupos, muestra, por otra parte, que los sujetos cuyo índice de competencia en los tres componentes es bajo, tienen un rendimiento significativamente menor que los sujetos con índices medios o altos. Se discuten las implicaciones para la identificación de los componentes relevantes en la interpretación que pueden predecir el éxito en el rendimiento.This paper analyses the competences that influence interpreting performance measured in sight translation. The effect of three components (anxiety control, short term memory and quickness of response) on interpreting competence are tested through a pilot experimental design in a sample of 22 subjects. Results show that only quickness of response influences performance. A further comparison groups analysis indicates that subjects with a low level of competence in the three components perform significatively poorer than those subjects showing acceptable or high levels of competence. Implications for identifying relevant components of interpretation able to predict success are discussed

Interpreting in refugee contexts. A descriptive and qualitative study

Interpreting in refugee contexts (IRC) has long been invisible to Western societies andInterpreting Studies. This paper aims at desc ribing the background and features of IRC, andpresents a small-scale qualitative study, whose main objectives are: exploring interpreters’perception regarding competences and role, and exploring refugees’ perception regardingthe quality of the interpreting service. For this purpose, a focus group and unstructuredinterviews were conducted in Spain. Data were analysed through comparative analysis andcoding procedures. Results show interpreters’ dissatisfaction with their working condi-tions and refugees’ experience with interpretation seems to be negative and frustrating.Further research in this area is needed in order to raise awareness of commun ication andintegration difficulties of refugees

La interpretación como prestación de servicios

 La interpretación, concebida como prestación de servicios, no difiere en lo esencial de las empresas de servicios en general cuyo objetivo último es responder a las necesidades del cliente. La traducción escrita se encuentra más relacionada con las empresas industriales mientras que la interpretación se integra en las empresas de servicios. La gestión de los servicios se diferencia de la producción industrial en aspectos relacionados con la entrega, el carácter perecedero, la interacción entre productor y cliente y la naturaleza inmaterial de la calidad y dificultades para definirla. La adecuación al uso y la satisfacción del cliente son los aspectos básicos que definen un servicio de calidad.