Effect of Computer Assisted Interpreting Tool on Simultaneous Interpreting Performance

Abstract

BÖYÜKBAŞ, SEVİM SİNEM. Effect of Computer Assisted Interpreting Tool on Simultaneous Interpreting Performance, MA Thesis, Ankara, 2023. The number and scope of technologies used during conference interpreting are limited in comparison with Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools designed for translation practitioners. Computer Assisted Interpreting (CAI) tools aid interpreters throughout their assignments, taking into account their needs like glossary drafting and terminology retrieval. This study provides an overview of the CAI tools designed for interpreters' terminology management and evaluates the impact of using one such tool, Interpreters' Help, on novice interpreters' simultaneous interpreting (SI) performance, compared to a traditional electronic glossary in MS Excel format. Twelve recent graduates from Hacettepe University's Department of Translation and Interpretation participated in this study. A repeated-measures experimental design was used. Initially, participants were interviewed about their experience with interpreting-oriented technologies like CAI tools. They then performed a pre-test SI using an Excel glossary, followed by CAI tool training. Subsequently, participants completed a post-test SI using a glossary created with Interpreters' Help. After both tests, participants responded to a 5-point Likert questionnaire containing nine statements and one open-ended question. Simultaneous interpreting performances, terminological performances, and questionnaire responses were analysed and compared using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test, a non-parametric method, was employed to compare the SI performance scores. Participants' terminological performances were assessed for accuracy based on their glossary method and applied lexical strategies, using recorded data. This thesis seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge on interpreting studies by highlighting advantages and disadvantages of CAI tools.