Predictive processes in interpreters
Existing findings and future directions in interpreting process research
This paper discusses predictive processes in simultaneous interpreting. A review of experimental findings in the
interpreting process literature is carried out on prediction and anticipation – both instances of predictive processes –
addressing two questions: (i) what causes prediction and anticipation?, and (ii) is there an experience-related advantage for
prediction and anticipation in interpreters? A few gaps are identified in the literature, namely, the need for investigating
language-specific cues to prediction and the need for investigating predictive behaviour in both source language processing and
target language production. The review is followed by a discussion of future directions in addressing the identified gaps by
interpreting process studies, as well as a discussion of how current and future experimental findings can inform our understanding
of the processes underlying prediction during simultaneous interpreting.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Experimental findings: Goals met
- 2.1Early studies on anticipation
- 2.2Experimental studies
- 2.2.1Behavioural data
- 2.2.2Eye tracking data
- 2.2.3Electrophysiological data
- 2.2.4Discussion: Experimental findings
- 3.Discussion: Goals ahead
- 3.1Measuring predictive processes
- 3.2Modelling prediction
- 4.Conclusions
- Note
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References