Empirical Studies in Translation and Interpreting: An Overview
A summary of the IUNTC Talk on Mai, 23, 2024, by Caiwen Wang
During the May IUNTC meeting, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Caiwen Wang as our guest speaker. She is Senior Lecturer in Translation and Interpreting Studies at the University of Westminster and is Associate Professor in Translation and Interpreting at the Center for Translation Studies of UCL. Dr. Wang's expertise encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of translation and interpreting, and she had amassed an impressive portfolio of publications, including books published with renowned publishers such as Bloomsbury and Routledge. Her research interests focus on translation and interpreting studies, and applied linguistics in general. During her presentation, Dr. Wang enlightened us on the critical aspects of designing empirical research in translation studies. She emphasized the importance of observing and describing real-world phenomena to uncover insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of translation and interpreting-. We were honored to have had Dr. Wang share her expertise with us on this occasion.
Dr Caiwen Wang is a Senior Lecturer in Translation and Interpreting Studies in the School of Humanities of the University of Westminster and an Associate Professor in Translation and Interpreting at the Centre for Translation Studies of UCL, UK. She teaches translation and interpreting at both the theoretical and the practical level. Her research interests are translation and interpreting studies, and applied linguistics in general. She has published in leading T&I journals, such as Perspectives, Translation and Interpreting Studies, Across Languages and Cultures. Her recent co-edited book Translation and Interpreting as Social Interaction: Affect, Behaviour and Cognition by Bloomsbury (www.bloomsbury.com/9781350279315) is listed in the Bloomsbury Advances in Translation series, with Professor Jeremy Munday being the series' general editor. Her co-edited book Empirical Studies of Translation and Interpreting: The Post-Structuralist Approach by Routledge (https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003017400) is listed in the Routledge Advances in Translation and Interpreting Studies series.
Mai 2024 - written by Yvonne Cleary & Daniela Straub
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Empirical research in translation and interpreting (T&I) has evolved significantly since the 1990s, with earlier developments in interpreting due to its roots in experimental psychology. Empirical studies typically follow an inductive approach, starting with observations and descriptions of real-world phenomena to generate general principles. These principles enable researchers to form hypotheses that are tested through further data collection, creating a cycle of induction and deduction.
Empirical research in T&I can be categorized in several ways:
1. Observational studies: These studies describe naturalistic data without interference from researchers. For example, analyzing metaphor translations in articles in "New Scientist" to identify patterns.
2. Experimental studies: Researchers set up experiments to control variables and simulate real-world conditions.
3. Survey studies: Researchers use questionnaires, surveys, interviews and focus groups to gather data.
Empirical studies may be qualitative, quantitative, or a combination of both.
- Qualitative studies in T&I often involve case studies with smaller samples, focusing on detailed descriptions and insights.
- Quantitative studies involve larger samples to identify general trends, using statistical analysis to test hypotheses.
Further distinctions include:
- Product-based studies: analyzing translated texts to establish “translation laws”.
- Process-Based studies: investigating cognitive processes of translators and interpreters using methods like think-aloud protocols or eye-tracking.
- Participant-based studies: study of the translator or interpreter in relation to the product or process, e.g. comparing the work of professional and trainee translators/interpreters.
- Context-based studies: study of social and cultural factors, e.g. examining interpreting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Modern empirical research often integrates multiple dimensions, examining both product and process, or focusing on specific participant groups within particular social or cultural contexts.
Conducting Empirical Studies in Translation and Interpreting: The Research Process
The research process in empirical studies spans from formulating the research question to publishing the findings. This process involves several critical stages, each with its own set of considerations and challenges:
1. Research Design and Methodology:
In crafting a robust research design and methodology, several key considerations come into
play, starting with the formulation of research questions. These questions serve as the
foundation upon which the entire study is built, guiding the direction of inquiry and framing
subsequent investigations. In the structure of a research paper, the questions are likely to be presented in one of the following three locations:
- Introduction: While some scholars opt to introduce their research questions at the outset, there is debate regarding the timing of this approach, with concerns about premature disclosure.
- End of literature review: A prevailing practice involves presenting research questions subsequent to an exhaustive examination of existing literature. This sequencing allows for a contextualized understanding of the study's relevance and contribution.
- Separate section: Particularly in studies with multiple research questions, allocating a distinct section to articulate these inquiries can accentuate their significance and delineate their individual impact on the research endeavor.
2. Methodological Choices:
This stage involves selecting appropriate research tools, recruiting participants (if appropriate), and defining dependent and independent variables. Choosing the right instruments for data collection and analysis is critical for obtaining reliable results.
3. Data Collection and Analysis:
In the realm of data collection and analysis, two critical aspects ensure the validity and reliability of research findings:
- Data coding: Effective data analysis requires careful categorization and identification. Misalignment between data and categories can undermine the credibility of findings. A useful practice is having a second verifier review the data and categories to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Empirical validity: An empirical study should be data-driven. However, some studies may appear empirical but lack substantive data analysis or present outdated literature reviews, weakening their arguments and findings.
4. Presentation and Publication:
The phase of presentation and publication of a research paper involves several key elements that should be structured effectively to communicate findings and engage readers. A typical research paper includes:
- Introduction: Sets the context and outlines the importance of the research.
- Literature review: Surveys existing research and identifies gaps.
- Methods: Details the research design and methodology.
- Results: Presents the findings from data analysis.
- Discussion: Interprets the results and their implications.
- Conclusion: Summarizes the research and suggests future directions.
- Effective presentation: Using varied visual aids (e.g., charts, diagrams) instead of relying solely on tables can enhance readability and engagement.
Conclusion
In summary, a well-designed research project should start with a clearly defined topic and research questions, use appropriate and rigorous methodologies, ensure accurate data coding and analysis, and present findings effectively. By addressing common issues and leveraging replication studies, researchers can significantly contribute to the field of translation and interpreting studies, ensuring robust and impactful results.