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In:Research Methods in Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies
Edited by Ana María Rojo López and Ricardo Muñoz Martín
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 10] 2025
► pp. 183–212

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Chapter 8
Speech recording

 | TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences in Cologne
 | University of Silesia in Katowice
Published online: 1 April 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.10.08ahr
Abstract
Speech recording has always been the main method in working with spoken language, since it is an easy way to transfer data from volatile to non-volatile memory for the purpose of linguistic analyses. In translation and interpreting research, recordings of interpreters’ performances have been used ever since the beginning of empirical research into interpreting. This chapter offers an overview on speech recording as a method used in T&I research by introducing key concepts and software solutions for research into spoken language. Not only are common variables, paradigms and processing steps outlined, but also an overview is provided of some noteworthy programs for speech recording, audio editing, speech analysis, automatic speech recognition and others.
Article outline
  • 1.The method and key questions
    • 1.1The state of the art in speech recording
    • 1.2Ethical issues in speech recording
  • 2.Conceptual aspects
    • 2.1Variables in speech recording
    • 2.2Data measurement in speech recording
    • 2.3Pre-processing steps enabling analysis
      • 2.3.1Speech recognition
      • 2.3.2Alignment
  • 3.Implementation
    • 3.1Speech recording applications
      • 3.1.1Open source audio editors
      • 3.1.2Speech analysis software
      • 3.1.3Suites of programs
      • 3.1.4Automatic speech recognition tools
      • 3.1.5Other tools
    • 3.2Data collection and reporting
      • 3.2.1Data collection sources
      • 3.2.2Data triangulation
      • 3.2.3Data reporting
  • 4.Closing remarks
    • 4.1Advantages and disadvantages of speech recording
    • 4.2Emerging challenges in speech recording
  • Further readings on speech recording
  • References
References (89)
Further readings on speech recording
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