Evolution of the efficacy of the translation process in translation competence acquisition

The aim of this paper is to present PACTE's measurement of and results for the variable "efficacy of the Translation Process" in its experiment on Translation Competence Acquisition (TCA). This is one of the variables that provide information about the acquisition of the strategic sub-competence. We define this variable as the relationship between the time taken to complete a translation task, its distribution in stages, and solution acceptability. We consider translation process efficacy to be based on an optimal relationship between solution acceptability and time, i.e. achieving maximum acceptability in minimum time. In that respect, our initial premise was that finding acceptable solutions should take less time as the TCA process advances. Our aim as regards this variable was to investigate whether, as Translation Competence is acquired, differences occur in terms of: (1) the time taken to carry out a translation task; (2) the distribution of the time spent on a translation task between stages; (3) the relationship between the time spent on a translation task and solution acceptability

Chapter 19. The second stage of PACTE Group\u2019s research

Since PACTE Group was formed in 1997, its aim has been to research the acquisition of TC. Since no empirically validated model of TC was available at the time, the group had first to propose a TC model and validate it empirically before looking into the Acquisition of TC (ATC). The results of the first part of PACTE\u2019s research (the proposal and validation of a TC model) are presented in the foregoing chapters of this book. Having validated its TC model, PACTE\u2019s research into ATC began in January 2010. In 2011, a total of 130 first- to fourth-year translator trainees and recent graduates from the Translation and Interpreting degree course at the Universitat Aut\uf2noma de Barcelona participated in an experiment. Data analysis of the results of the experiment is almost complete at the time of writing (PACTE 2014, 2015, submitted a, b)

First Results of PACTE Group's Experimental Research on Translation Competence Acquisition: The Acquisition of Declarative Knowledge of Translation

This paper presents the first results of empirical-experimental research into the Acqui-sition of Translation Competence (ATC): the acquisition of declarative knowledge about translation. This study is based on our previous research about Translation Competence (TC). Some of the data collection instruments have, however, been adap-ted for current use. Details of our research design include type of study, universe and sample population, study variables, data collection instruments, and data analysis processes. The dependent variables were knowledge of translation; translation pro-ject; identification and solution of translation problems; decision-making; efficacy of the translation process; and use of instrumental resources. The results of the first variable analysed (\u201cKnowledge of Translation\u201d) will be presented. A questionnaire with 27 items was used to obtain data on translator train-ees\u2019 knowledge of translation: their concept of translation and TC; translation units; types of translation problems; the different phases involved in the translation process; methods required; procedures used (strategies and techniques); and the role of the translation brief and the target reader. Indicators of this variable were \u2018dynamic index\u2019 and \u2018coefficient of coherence\u2019. We understand a \u2018dynamic\u2019 concept of translation to be textual, interpretative, communicative and functional; as opposed to a \u2018static\u2019 con-cept that may be defined as linguistic and literal. The dynamic index allows us to see whether a subject\u2019s implicit knowledge about how translation works is more dynamic or more static, whereas the coherence coefficient allows us to see whether the subject\u2019s vision of different aspects of translation is coherent