Technical and instrumental competence in the translator's workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs

Massey, Gary; Ehrensberger-Dow, Maureen

Publication type:	Article in scientific journal
Type of review:	Peer review (publication)
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
Volume(Issue):	2011
Issue:	14
Page(s):	1
Pages to:	14
Issue Date:	2011
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	Institut des Langues et Cultures d'Europe et d'Amérique Grenoble
ISSN:	2101-0609
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.
URI:	http://ilcea.revues.org/1060 https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/2997
Fulltext version:	Published version
License (according to publishing contract):	Licence according to publishing contract
Departement:	Applied Linguistics
Organisational Unit:	Institute of Translation and Interpreting (IUED)
Published as part of the ZHAW project:	Cognitive and Physical Ergonomics of Translation
Appears in collections:	Publikationen Angewandte Linguistik

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Massey, G., & Ehrensberger-Dow, M. (2011). Technical and instrumental competence in the translator’s workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs. Ilcea, 2011(14), 1–14. http://ilcea.revues.org/1060

Massey, G. and Ehrensberger-Dow, M. (2011) ‘Technical and instrumental competence in the translator’s workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs’, ILCEA, 2011(14), pp. 1–14. Available at: http://ilcea.revues.org/1060.

G. Massey and M. Ehrensberger-Dow, “Technical and instrumental competence in the translator’s workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs,” ILCEA, vol. 2011, no. 14, pp. 1–14, 2011, [Online]. Available: http://ilcea.revues.org/1060

MASSEY, Gary und Maureen EHRENSBERGER-DOW, 2011. Technical and instrumental competence in the translator’s workplace : using process research to identify educational and ergonomic needs. ILCEA [online]. 2011. Bd. 2011, Nr. 14, S. 1–14. Verfügbar unter: http://ilcea.revues.org/1060

Massey, Gary, and Maureen Ehrensberger-Dow. 2011. “Technical and Instrumental Competence in the Translator’s Workplace : Using Process Research to Identify Educational and Ergonomic Needs.” Ilcea 2011 (14): 1–14. http://ilcea.revues.org/1060.

Massey, Gary, and Maureen Ehrensberger-Dow. “Technical and Instrumental Competence in the Translator’s Workplace : Using Process Research to Identify Educational and Ergonomic Needs.” Ilcea, vol. 2011, no. 14, 2011, pp. 1–14, http://ilcea.revues.org/1060.