Investigating the ergonomics of a technologized translation workplace
-
Maureen Ehrensberger-Dow
Abstract
The modern translation workplace is characterized by intensive human-computer interaction and heavy use of language technology. In such settings, translators are subject to temporal and spatial constraints that can be mitigated or accentuated by good and poor ergonomic design, respectively. In the research reported here, an ergonomic framework encompassing physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects of the workplace has been used to gain insights into the situated activity of translation. The multi-method approach includes screen and video recordings, interviews, and ergonomic assessments at the workplace. The results of the case study reported here suggest that apparently minor disturbances can have a negative effect on the efficiency of the translation process and potentially impact job satisfaction and even health.
Abstract
The modern translation workplace is characterized by intensive human-computer interaction and heavy use of language technology. In such settings, translators are subject to temporal and spatial constraints that can be mitigated or accentuated by good and poor ergonomic design, respectively. In the research reported here, an ergonomic framework encompassing physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects of the workplace has been used to gain insights into the situated activity of translation. The multi-method approach includes screen and video recordings, interviews, and ergonomic assessments at the workplace. The results of the case study reported here suggest that apparently minor disturbances can have a negative effect on the efficiency of the translation process and potentially impact job satisfaction and even health.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Reembedding translation process research. An introduction 1
- A neuroscientific toolkit for translation studies 21
- Writing vs. translating 47
- Investigating the ergonomics of a technologized translation workplace 69
- Quality and translation process research 89
- Can emotion stir translation skill? Defining the impact of positive and negative emotions on translation performance 107
- Match evaluation and over-editing in a translation memory environment 131
- Cognitive efficiency in translation 149
- Towards a cognitive audiovisual translatology 171
- Cognitive aspects of community interpreting. Toward a process model 195
- Index 215
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Reembedding translation process research. An introduction 1
- A neuroscientific toolkit for translation studies 21
- Writing vs. translating 47
- Investigating the ergonomics of a technologized translation workplace 69
- Quality and translation process research 89
- Can emotion stir translation skill? Defining the impact of positive and negative emotions on translation performance 107
- Match evaluation and over-editing in a translation memory environment 131
- Cognitive efficiency in translation 149
- Towards a cognitive audiovisual translatology 171
- Cognitive aspects of community interpreting. Toward a process model 195
- Index 215
