Abstract
Having a deeper understanding of determining factors in the quality of translation is in the interest of almost all scholars of translation studies. Students’ intelligence is being measured constantly in order to determine their aptitude for entering into different programs. However, in translation studies, the variable of intelligence quotient (IQ) has been curiously ignored among researchers. This study aimed to explore the strength of both IQ and reading comprehension in predicting translation quality among Iranian translation students. A sample of forty-six translation students from Alborz University of Qazvin participated in this study. Data were collected using three tests including Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices, Colina’s (2008) componential translation quality rating scheme and the reading comprehension test of IELTS. The results show IQ test scores and reading comprehension significantly predict translation quality assessment. Surprisingly, the most significant finding is that IQ score is by far a better predictor of translation quality than reading comprehension. Overall, it is concluded that translation quality assessment is more of a deeper cognitive function than solely language process, which could lead to more research on cognitive aspects of translation.
Highlights
Translation scholars, trainers and trainees, as well as anyone who has an interest in translation all complain about the lack of a set of agreed-upon principles and models with which translation could be more systematically evaluated
In order to answer research questions a multiple linear regression was calculated to predict translation quality based on intelligence quotient (IQ) and reading comprehension scores
Considering the scales used for both predictors, IQ is by far the greater predictor of translation quality
Summary
Translation scholars, trainers and trainees, as well as anyone who has an interest in translation all complain about the lack of a set of agreed-upon principles and models with which translation could be more systematically evaluated. Some attempts are made to clarify muddy waters of translation evaluation, no single model has been widely used among practitioners and researchers alike. Translation studies was rather reluctant to conduct empirical research to find out what elements are probably the most important factors in reality of translation practice. Translators’ intelligence has never been seriously considered in the equation of translation quality, perhaps it was deemed irrelevant. This utter avoidance has arisen our interest to explore this factor in the context of translation quality assessment. This study aims to explore the relationship of key factors in translation practice and possibly pinpoints the most central elements in determining success in translation quality. Findings of this study may lead to further studies and would probably aid all parties who have a special interest in translation
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