Title: | Technical and instrumental competence in the translator's workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs |
Authors : | Massey, Gary Ehrensberger-Dow, Maureen |
Published in : | ILCEA |
Issue : | 14 |
Pages : | 1 |
Pages to: | 14 |
Publisher / Ed. Institution : | UGA Éditions |
Issue Date: | 2011 |
License (according to publishing contract) : | Licence according to publishing contract |
Type of review: | Not specified |
Language : | English |
Subjects : | Professional translator; ErgoTrans; Translation process; Ergonomics |
Subject (DDC) : | 004: Computer science 418.02: Translating and interpreting |
Abstract: | Although technical and instrumental competence feature prominently in translation competence models and profiles, systematic cognitive research has only recently focused on how they develop, how they can be fostered, and how today's technologies, tools and information resources are impacting on the workplace processes and practices of translators. In this paper, we report on the initial phases of a process-oriented research project investigating student and professional translators' technical and information behaviour in the workplace. We indicate how research of this kind can help identify potential ergonomic problems inherent in the design of user interfaces, including those of standardised translation aids such as readily available online dictionaries. These can impede the efficiency of translation by both slowing down the translation process and diminishing the quality of the product, particularly amongst beginners. It is suggested that targeted instruction in technical and instrumental competence can counteract these effects, for example by raising translators' awareness of the potential pitfalls of indiscriminate use of technology, teaching them how to optimize their workplace practices and thus helping them to meet their ergonomic needs. |
Departement: | Applied Linguistics |
Organisational Unit: | Institute of Translation and Interpreting (IUED) |
Publication type: | Article in scientific Journal |
ISSN: | 2101-0609 |
URI: | http://ilcea.revues.org/1060 https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/2997 |
Published as part of the ZHAW project : | Cognitive and Physical Ergonomics of Translation |
Appears in Collections: | Publikationen Angewandte Linguistik |
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.