Translators’ Allocation of Cognitive Resources in Two Translation Directions: A Study Using Eye Tracking and Keystroke Logging

Citation

Wang Y & Li S Translators’ Allocation of Cognitive Resources in Two Translation Directions: A Study Using Eye Tracking and Keystroke Logging. Wang Y (Researcher) & Li S (Researcher) Applied Sciences, p. 18, Art. No.: applsci-3435385. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Abstract
This study examines how novice translators allocate cognitive resources during Eng-lish-Chinese and Chinese-English translation, focusing on the influence of translation di-rection and the discrepancies between empirical data and self-reflections. Using a combi-nation of eye-tracking and keystroke logging, four main indicators—Total Attentional Duration, Attention Unit Count, Attention Unit Duration, and pupil dilation—were em-ployed to quantify cognitive effort. Cue-based Retrospective Think-Aloud Protocols were used to capture participants’ reflective insights. The findings reveal that cognitive effort varies significantly between attention types in both translation directions. Specifically, Target Text processing consistently demands more cognitive resources than Source Text processing and parallel processing, though variations between the two translation direc-tions are evident. Furthermore, a notable divergence emerges between participants’ reflec-tive accounts and the quantitative data, with translation directionality significantly influ-encing this discrepancy. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of cognitive effort in translation and highlight the complex interplay between empirical measures and self-reported experiences.

Notes
This is a co-author's article. I am the second-author and co-responding author. I would appreciate that the University would consider this application.

Journal
Applied Sciences