Directionality in cognitive translation and interpreting studies

Abstract

In the last two decades, researchers have shown an increasing interest in investigating directionality in Translating and Interpreting Studies (TIS), especially the cognitive aspects involved in L1 translation and L2 translation. This chapter presents a review of some empirical studies on directionality and cognitive translation and interpreting studies (CTIS). Bilingualism and bilingual speaker are two complex terms to define. Researchers, professionals, novices, and students have considered the two directions of translation from different perspectives. In the 2000s, there was a boom in research into competence in translation and the mechanisms that underpin translations’ choice were investigated while taking into account different levels of translation competence. In CTIS, researchers are interested in comparing professional translators and translation students’ performance and decision-making processes. Ideology, personal experiences, and tradition serve as the basis for stating that only direct translation and interpreting should be performed.