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Article published In: Interpreting
Vol. 25:2 (2023) ► pp.211–238

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Student interpreters predict meaning while simultaneously interpreting - even before training

 | University of Geneva
 | University of Geneva
 | University of Edinburgh
Published online: 27 July 2023
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https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00093.amo
Abstract
Prediction has long been considered advantageous in simultaneous interpreting, as it may allow interpreters to comprehend more rapidly and focus on their own production. However, evidence of prediction in simultaneous interpreting to date is relatively limited. In addition, it is unclear whether training in simultaneous interpreting influences predictive processing during a simultaneous interpreting task. We report on a longitudinal eye-tracking study which measured the timing and extent of prediction in students before and after two semesters of training in simultaneous interpreting. The students simultaneously interpreted sentences containing a highly predictable word as they viewed a screen containing four pictures, one of which depicted a highly predictable object. They made predictive eye movements to the highly predictable object both before and after their training in simultaneous interpreting. However, we did not find evidence that training influenced the timing or the magnitude of their prediction.
Article outline
  • Introduction
    • Prediction in challenging conditions
    • Prediction in interpreting
    • Why might training change predictive processing during simultaneous interpreting?
  • The current study
  • Methods
    • Participants
    • Stimuli
    • Procedure
    • Analyses
  • Results
    • Predictive eye movements before and after training
    • Analysis of unpredictable sentences
    • Effects of training on prediction
    • Relationship between fixation proportions and relative speech onset
    • Effects of training on speech onset
    • Extent of prediction and student performance
  • Discussion
  • References
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