Working Memory and Note Quantity: Their Relationship with Consecutive Interpreting in Proficient Bilinguals. Implications for Aptitude Tests of Interpreting

Abstract

The present study examined the association between working memory (WM) and note quantity and their relationship with consecutive interpreting (CI) performance in order to evaluate their predictive efficiency for aptitude tests in CI. To follow the objectives of the study, two WM tests and one CI task were administered to 30 MA translation students. The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between one of the WM measures (Reading Span) and note quantity. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between both measures of WM and CI performance, and also between note quantity and CI performance. Furthermore, the results of the regression analysis indicated that both measures of WM were predictors of CI performance while the variable ‘note quantity’ failed to be a predictor. Based on the results, it was further proved that WM is an efficient component in aptitude tests whereas note quantity did not completely comply with the criteria and was rejected as a reliable criterion and could not be included as a subcomponent in the aptitude tests.