Methodological Aspects of Interpretation (and Translation) Research
Published online: 1 January 1991
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.3.2.03gil
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.3.2.03gil
Abstract
Very little actual scientific research has been carried out in I/T to date, essentially because of the lack of scientific background among I/T investigators. Major problems are found in the sampling procedures, materials, experimental conditions and tasks, quantification procedures and conclusion-drawing logic. In order to foster I/T research, methodological research training could be given to investigators, and interdisciplinary contacts and networking should be promoted. The input of I/T practitioners to I/T research can be valuable in spite of their lack of training provided they use simple methods and are supervised appropriately. Non I/T practitioners should work with practitioners.
Résumé
La recherche scientifique en traductologie est bien pauvre, essentiellement en raison du manque de formation à la recherche chez ceux qui s'y livrent. Des faiblesses se retrouvent dans les procédures d'échantillonnage, les matériauxutilisés, les conditions et tàches expérimentales, l'évaluation quantitative et lesraisonnements. L'amélioration de la situation passe par la formation à la recherche, par la multiplication des contacts, notamment interdisciplinaires, entre leschercheurs et centres de recherche. Les praticiens se limiteront de préférence àdes projets simples et devront ètre suivis de près par des chercheurs confirmés. Les chercheurs confirmés non praticiens doivent travailler en collaboration avecles praticiens.
Article outline
- Introduction
- Basic I/T Characteristics and Their Implications on Research
- 1.In I/T, input and output can be observed and recorded under particularly favorable conditions
- 2.Processes are NOT easy to observe and record
- 3.Although many rules on output, including relations between output and input, have been described, much of the process leading from input to output remains unknown
- 4.I/T situations and operations are highly variable
- 5.I/T operational environments are fairly simple
- Major Methodological Issues and Problems in I/T Research
- 1.Subjects in I/T experimentation
- 2Materials
- 3.Experimental conditions and tasks
- 4.Quantification and quality assessment
- 5.Conclusion-drawing
- Strategies for I/T Research
- Institutional Strategies
- – Research training
- – Research programs
- – Interdisciplinary contacts
- – Dissemination of information in I/T research circles
- – Multi-centre studies
- Strategies for Individuals
- – Strategies for I/T practitioners
- – Strategies for non-practitioners
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