Abstract:
This study examined the cognitive processes in interpretation through employing
Think-aloud Protocols (TAPs) among Iranian translators. The participants
included 10 professional and nonprofessional translators selected through Nelson
Proficiency Test. TAP and retrospective interview were used as the major
instruments in order to collect the data from self-reports protocols. In order to
assess the translators' mind activity in the flow of interpretation, they were
administered a translation test of approximately 150 words concerning a general
subject. Then, the applied cognitive processes (attention, comprehension,
memory processes, and problem solving) by the participants were determined
and examined. Also, for identifying the significance of differences between the
translators concerning the cognitive processes, a chi-square nonparametric test
was run. Analyzing the translators' performance during think aloud activity of
interpretation revealed that both professional and nonprofessional translators
have used the same cognitive processes and the results of the chi-square test
revealed there was no significant difference between them at the level of
comprehension, memory processes, and problem solving. However, significant
difference was observed at the attention level. The findings can help the
instructors to become aware about mental abilities and are beneficial for students
and translators to improve their translation ability.
Machine summary:
Analyzing the translators' performance during think aloud activity of interpretation revealed that both professional and nonprofessional translators have used the same cognitive processes and the results of the chi-square test revealed there was no significant difference between them at the level of comprehension, memory processes, and problem solving.
To find out an answer for the third research question concerning what significance differences exist between professional and nonprofessional translators with regard to applied comprehension strategies, another chi-square test was used.
Table 7 (View the image of this page) The forth research question dealt with the significant difference between professional and nonprofessional translators with regard to problem recognition, solution proposal, and solution evaluation, therefore, another chi- square test was run.
Table 8 (View the image of this page)Regarding the last research question concerning the significant differences between professional and nonprofessional translators with regard to the memory processes, another Chi-square test was applied.
The researcher studied the major cognitive strategies that were applied by two groups of professional and nonprofessional Iranian translators which included: attention, comprehension, memory processes, and solving problem.
Having analyzed the students’ behaviors concerning oral interpretation of a Persian text, the researcher came to the conclusion that both professional and nonprofessional translators applied the same cognitive processes which are in line with the studies of Bajo and Padilla (1999), Tommola and Hyonà (1990), and Risku (2013).