Language Mediation Research Articles

Language mediation training and the foreign‑language effect in moral decision‑making*

Abstract Moral cognition is an emerging field investigating the cognitive underpinnings of moral judgement and moral decision-making. Of particular interest for Cognitive Translation and Interpreting Studies (CTIS) is the impact of the use of a foreign language on the cognitive processes associated with moral decision making, what has been labeled “Foreign Language Effect” (FLE). Using a second language has been reported to reduce decision-making biases, doing away with framing effects in risk aversion settings. At the same time, moral dilemmas posed in a second language prompt more utilitarian responses than when presented in the subjects’ native tongues. These results beg the following question for the CTIS scholar: does language mediation training mitigate the FLE? This paper reports on an exploratory study investigating the impact of language mediation training on the FLE. Drawing from Costa et al. (2014), 1st and 4th year, bilingual students in a Translation and Interpreting degree are presented with the trolley dilemma both in their L1, L2, and L3. Initial results seem to indicate that language mediation training might have an impact on the FLE. However, the limitations of the study suggest the need for further exploration of the intersection between language mediation training and the FLE.

Study of Language Mediation in Public Institutions: Analysis, Challenges, and Approaches

In an increasingly globalized society, language mediation in public institutions is crucial for ensuring inclusivity and equity. This paper explores the importance, challenges, and potential solutions for language mediation in Germany s public sector. It examines the need for language mediation due to linguistic and cultural diversity, analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of systematic solutions, and discusses legal arguments for the provision of such services. Key features of effective language mediation and the qualifications required for mediators are also highlighted. The paper concludes with a summary of findings and suggestions for future research and development in this field.

Language mediation during consultations between deaf patients and health care providers at Chivhu Hospital, Zimbabwe

This study examines the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated language barriers between the Deaf community and healthcare providers. Virtual interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with Deaf merchants and other Deaf people living in Chivhu, Zimbabwe, were used to gather data for the study. Observation and document analysis were also utilized to supplement these two approaches of data acquisition. The study used critical theory as its theoretical framework in order to better understand the communication difficulties between Deaf and Healthcare practitioners. According to the study's findings, Covid-19 had a significant impact on how Deaf people and healthcare workers interacted, which helped the Deaf population receive health services. In addition, the lack of qualified Sign Language interpreters to close the communication gap between Deaf patients and healthcare professionals made it more difficult for Deaf people to access healthcare facilities. The study suggests, among other initiatives, that during emergency crisis situations like those brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Zimbabwe, the health system, and various stakeholders should provide accessible information and language mediators for the Deaf.

Motivations of undergraduate student medical interpreters: Exposure and experience

BackgroundWhen patients do not speak the same language as their doctors, they face poorer medical outcomes, decreased doctor-patient trust, and a diminished desire to seek medical care. It has been well established that interpretation is an essential part of an accessible healthcare system, but effective use of such language services relies on both the interpreters themselves and the healthcare teams working with them. This study presents an interdisciplinary examination of the motivations of undergraduate student medical interpreters, a group which serves as a bridge between these roles. While not full-time interpreters, they receive official training and spend time serving patients in local clinics. Further, for those who aspire to careers in medicine, interpreting provides invaluable exposure to the medical field and early professional know-how.MethodsSemi-structured individual interviews with undergraduate student interpreters were conducted to describe this multifaceted educational experience. A thematic analysis framework was employed to understand how and why they volunteer their time to interpret.ResultsMotivations of student interpreters were found to fall under three general categories: (1) personal identity, or connection to family, language, and their career aspirations; (2) community engagement, or the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients at an early stage; and (3) pre-professional experience, both in general and specifically in healthcare. Each of these contributes to the view of a student medical interpreter as a unique contributor to language equity in medicine, as they provide language services in the short-term as well as set themselves up to be linguistically and culturally competent providers in the long-term.ConclusionsA greater understanding of student motivations adds to knowledge about language mediation and validates the utility of students in this role, encouraging the development of more student interpreter programs. Particularly in communities with high proportions of non-English speakers, these students can contribute to making medical care as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Language and thought: Linguistic relativity in social marketing communication

AbstractLinguistic relativity (linguistic patterns influence perception and cognition) is crucial for marketing communication effectiveness. The argument is that linguistic relativity enablers in marketing communication may assist marketers, communicators, and creators achieve the desired “effectiveness” more successfully. Based on this premise, prior research in consumer studies has examined language's mediation role in consumer perception and cognition. However, the question of identifying these enablers and the plausible existence of any structural relationship among them persists. This article, therefore, seeks to examine the identification and interrelationship of linguistic relativity enablers in the context of social marketing communication. We examine the query through in‐depth interviews with specific respondents with a strong and influential relationship with the subject. This study presents the analysis conducted through Fuzzy‐ISM and Fuzzy‐MICMAC and presents relative findings by providing a structure with the potential to be used in longitudinal studies.

TRAINING THE AUGMENTED INTERPRETER TODAY

Any interpretation training programme aspiring to excellence must be closely connected with the professional world and make effective use of innovative teaching methods, cooperation with external stakeholders, and modern technologies in order to ensure a high quality of learning. This paper focuses on the different aspects of ‘quality’ in light of the advent of new technologies and the changing nature of the interpreting profession. Interpretation training programmes must learn today how to prepare a widely employable interpreter to survive the pressures of the professional world. A scenario-based approach, that simulates work-like situations, is effective in interpretation training. The paper will focus on mock conferences, as its most effective teaching practice. Mock conferences help to enhance the authenticity and diversity of lifelike situations in class, provide the students with contextualised practice that helps to develop non-linguistic competences. The latest technologies, e.g. ICTs, AI, etc., offer a new degree of automation to all professional language mediation activities, calling for a rethinking of the interpreter’s skillset. The future will accommodate both artificial and human interpreting, and the bar for humans will be raised. The interpretation students must learn how to use the latest technologies for the benefit of the client. A new, augmented interpreter profile includes the combination of the classical competences (interpretation, language and cultural, interpersonal, ethical, etc.) and technological competences which must be used for the benefit of the client and the events at which the interpreter works. The paper also explores the value added by human interpretation to communication, such as depth of message comprehension, teamwork, shared responsibility and liability and, most importantly, the value of the ‘interpreter who cares’.

The impact of language proficiency on therapy outcomes in multilingual couples: A conceptual framework for research

In an increasingly interconnected world, the dynamics of relationships are undergoing significant transformations, particularly within multilingual couples where language proficiency plays a crucial role. This review presents a conceptual framework aimed at exploring the intricate interplay between language proficiency and therapy outcomes in such relationships. Understanding the impact of language proficiency on therapy outcomes necessitates a multidimensional approach. Firstly, it requires an examination of the linguistic competencies of each partner within the relationship. Proficiency in multiple languages can influence communication patterns, affective expressions, and the negotiation of conflicts, thereby shaping the therapeutic process. Additionally, cultural factors intertwined with language proficiency further contribute to the complexity of therapeutic dynamics within multilingual couples. Furthermore, this conceptual framework emphasizes the importance of considering the socio-linguistic context in which therapy takes place. The power dynamics associated with language use, including dominance, fluency, and language preference, can significantly influence the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Moreover, language barriers may hinder the expression of emotions and the resolution of conflicts, posing unique challenges to the therapeutic process. Moreover, the framework underscores the significance of therapist competence in navigating linguistic and cultural diversity within multilingual couples. Therapists must possess not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural sensitivity and awareness to effectively address the unique needs and challenges faced by these couples. Culturally responsive therapeutic approaches, such as multilingual therapy modalities and language mediation techniques, can facilitate a more inclusive and effective therapeutic process. This conceptual framework offers a comprehensive lens through which to examine the impact of language proficiency on therapy outcomes in multilingual couples. By acknowledging the complex interplay between language, culture, and therapy, researchers and practitioners can better understand and address the unique needs of these couples, ultimately enhancing the efficacy and inclusivity of therapeutic interventions.

A Study of Internal Working Female Migrants in Kochi City, Kerala

As migration is dominated by men, with women comprising either residual or dependent followers, its gender dimensions are rarely addressed in literature in India. The decision to migrate of women is often highly influenced by intra-household gender relations and hierarchies. They often migrate out of concerns of household poverty or to ensure family survival through remittances as supplementary income. In this context, the paper attempts to study the socio-economic background, and working and living conditions of working female migrants in Kochi city. It also examines the reasons for their migration, benefits received and the problems faced at work in the city. The paper is based on primary data collected from 184 female migrants working in urban informal labour market of Kochi city, Kerala State, during January to April 2023. The findings of the study revealed all the sample migrant women to be engaged in informal sector, owing to their low education and skill. While their push factors for migration were poverty and debt at native home, the pull factors to Kochi city included more regular employment and better income. They are largely self-employed and work as domestic help or street vendors. They work for hours longer than prescribed under minimum work hours, besides lacking social protection measures. Their perceived problems at work were low wages, work not regular and longer working hours. The major benefits of migrant family in Kerala were better employment and income, infrastructure and children’s education. The Lorenz curve shows that there is a significant decline in the income inequality among migrant households with the additional income earned by the female migrants. The study recommends the need for local language mediators, to help the migrants benefit from the State’s migrant workers welfare schemes.

Developing Chinese lexical representations in Korean learner’s mind

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: The present research explores whether Korean learners of Chinese at different proficiency levels employ distinct processing strategies when processing Chinese words with identical or different orthographic representations. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, two experimental studies were carried out to examine how Korean learners with different Chinese language proficiency process orthography, pronunciation, and meanings of Chinese written words. Data and analysis: Reaction times and error rates were analyzed for each study. Revised hierarchical model (RHM) and Ontogenesis Model (OM) are the major models used to analyze and discuss the results. Findings/conclusions: The findings of the phonological task reveal that intermediate-level participants utilize first language mediators to access second language (L2) words, whereas high-level participants can directly activate L2 phonological representations without first language interference. Conversely, in the semantic task, participants from both proficiency levels seem to adopt the word association model regardless of orthographic representations. Originality: The originality of the present study lies in its examination of the processing strategies employed by Korean learners of Chinese at different proficiency levels, specifically when processing Chinese words with identical or different orthographic representations. Significance/implications: These findings suggest that L2 proficiency does not guarantee the elimination of native language influence on L2 lexical processing and various factors can affect L2 lexical processing. To improve L2 lexical learning, it is recommended to start language learning early, increase vocabulary size, and enhance exposure to L2 words.

Exploring factors affecting foreign language achievement: The role of growth mindset, self-efficacy, and L2 grit

This study investigated the effects of growth mindset and self-efficacy on foreign language achievement (FLA) in a sample of 379 intermediate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) while also incorporating the mediation of second language (L2) grit in a structural model. The measurement model was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and mediation analysis was conducted following Baron and Kenny’s (1986) method to explore the mediating role of L2 grit in the relationship between growth mindset, self-efficacy, and FLA. The results revealed that both L2 grit and English self-efficacy directly predicted FLA. Moreover, the mediation analysis revealed that growth mindset influenced FLA indirectly through the mediating role of L2 grit. These findings suggest that fostering growth mindset and self-efficacy beliefs in language learners could enhance their FLA, and that the development of L2 grit may play a significant role in mediating the relationship between growth mindset and FLA. Implications of these results for language education are discussed, and suggestions for future research are considered.

Increasing transcultural competence in clinical psychologists through a web-based training: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

In mental health care, the number of patients with diverse cultural backgrounds is growing. Nevertheless, evaluated training programs for transcultural competence are missing. Barriers for engaging in transcultural therapy can be identified in patients as well as in therapists. Besides language barriers, clinical psychologists report insecurities, for example, fear of additional expenses when involving a language mediator, ethical concerns such as power imbalances, or fear of lack of knowledge or incorrect handling when working with patients from other cultures. Divergent values and concepts of disease, prejudices, and stereotyping are also among the issues discussed as barriers to optimal psychotherapy care. The planned study aims to empower clinical psychologists to handle both their own as well as patients' barriers through a web-based training on transcultural competence. The training includes 6 modules, which are unlocked weekly. A total of N = 174 clinical psychologists are randomly assigned to two groups: the training group (TG) works through the complete training over 6 weeks, which includes a variety of practical exercises and self-reflections. In addition, participants receive weekly written feedback from a trained psychologist. The waitlist control group (WL) completes the training after the end of the waiting period (2 months after the end of the TG's training). The primary outcome is transcultural competence. Secondary outcomes consist of experiences in treating people from other cultures (number of patients, satisfaction and experience of competence in treatment, etc.). Data will be collected before and after the training as well as 2 and 6 months after the end of the training. This randomized controlled trial tests the efficacy of and satisfaction with a web-based training on transcultural competence for German-speaking clinical psychologists. If validated successfully, the training can represent a time- and place-flexible training opportunity that could be integrated into the continuing education of clinical psychologists in the long term. DRKS00031105. Registered on 21 February 2023.

Legal Interpreters’ View on the Feedback from Users: A Case Study in Bali

The high volume of legal cases involving foreigners in Indonesia underscores the necessity for proficient legal interpreters, as not all foreigners possess a fluent command of the Indonesian language. As a result, the presence of legal interpreters is essential to aid foreigners navigating the legal system. The initial phase of research, which assessed the effectiveness and user experiences of legal interpreters in assisting foreigners throughout the legal proceedings, revealed that police officers engaged two categories of interpreters: ad hoc and professional interpreters. Ad hoc interpreters are temporary interpreters enlisted for specific purposes such as reporting or particular activities. These interpreters may include individuals like tour guides, drivers, spouses of foreigners, family members, and even household staff. On occasion, police officers also utilized colleagues, fellow officers, prosecutors, or lawyers proficient in English to act as legal interpreters. In contrast, professional interpreters often possess certification from reputable institutions, such as universities, translators' associations, or English language colleges, ensuring a strong command of English. According to perspectives from police officers, prosecutors, and lawyers, ad hoc interpreters tend to lack linguistic expertise and interpreting skills, leading to subpar interpretation quality. Conversely, professional interpreters exhibit superior linguistic knowledge and are largely proficient in interpreting, resulting in significantly improved interpretation services compared to ad hoc options. Legal practitioners who employ professional interpreters find their assistance invaluable. However, from the viewpoint of detainees, in-house interpreters or interpreters associated with law offices have a tendency to cast suspicion on the foreigners they assist and may steer them toward confessing to what the lawyers desire. Based on the results and discussion, it has been determined that non-professional interpreters correspond to the ad hoc interpreters as described in the initial year of research. The interpreters of this category engage in interpretation tasks only occasionally, typically ranging from 1 to 4 instances over a span of 1 to 2 years. Professional interpreters, on the contrary, are skilled language mediators proficient in English, possessing expertise in various interpreting methods, especially in legal contexts. They are affiliated with professional associations and boast over three years of practical experience. Out of a group of 10 proficient interpreters who responded to the questionnaires, three are employed full-time, while the remaining seven operate as independent freelancers. Among the three full-time interpreters, one is stationed in-house. However, these interpreters did not completely concur with the feedback provided by users. Out of the fifteen feedback points submitted by users, a majority believed that the feedback was somewhat inaccurate. Nonetheless, some points were acknowledged for valid reasons: Firstly, considering the high volume of cases presented at the police office, the interpreters might not be well-versed in all the requisite legal terminology. Additionally, not all legal interpreters have been involved in police office proceedings, which results in an unfamiliarity with interrogation methods and procedures. Secondly, instances of interpreters displaying partiality and assisting foreign clients could stem from a lack of comprehension regarding the ethical guidelines governing legal interpreters. Misunderstandings might arise from payment arrangements, briefings, and directives received from supervisors (in the case of in-house interpreters) or from the police (for freelancers). The involvement of lawyers, foreigners, or the police in their compensation might lead to interpreters providing advice, suggestions, and direction for foreigners to admit certain actions. However, only a small subset of interpreters is inclined to do so, while the majority refrains from such actions.

Cognitive Dynamics in Language Mediation Insights from Translation, Audiovisual Translation, and Interpreting Studies

This article ventures into the intricate world of cognitive processes underlying translation and interpreting. It presents a meticulous examination of the complex mental processes and cognitive strategies that translators and interpreters employ in their professional practices. Central to this exploration is the integration of theoretical models with empirical research findings, a synthesis that offers a profound understanding of the cognitive underpinnings shaping the practice of translating and interpreting. This comprehensive study scrutinizes various established cognitive models, analyzing how they elucidate the cognitive activities involved in language mediation. Furthermore, it delves into the application of these models to real-world scenarios, assessing their practicality and relevance in the dynamic field of translation and interpreting. By bridging the theoretical with the practical, the article sheds light on how cognitive models not only inform academic discourse but also have tangible applications in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of translation and interpreting tasks. This investigation thereby contributes significantly to the field by offering insights that have the potential to revolutionize practices and training in translation and interpreting, making it a pivotal resource for professionals, academicians, and students alike.

PROBLEMS OF ADAPTATION OF KAZAKH FICTION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TRANSLATIONS OF A. NURPEISOV'S NOVEL "SONGY PARYZ")

The need for language mediators dates back to ancient times. It was caused by the lack of society to establish cultural, commercial, political, and other contacts between geographically and linguistically distant communities. Indirect translation served as a bridge between “small or regional” languages through a global language. In the modern world, indirect translation remains a pervasive form of interaction in a wide range of human spheres. Due to the globalization of international contacts, in the organization of international conferences and forums, communication is conducted through international languages. The article aims to consider ways of adaptation of Kazakh fiction through comparative analysis of direct translation into Russian and indirect translation into English of Nurpeisov’s novel “Songy Paryz”. Objectives 1) to generalize and substantiate the approaches of comparative analysis of the source text, the intermediary text, and the target text in modern translation studies; 2) to determine the causes, specificity, and role of indirect translations; 3) to carry out structural-system analysis aimed at identifying translation transformations and techniques as strategies used in two translations, to identify their appropriateness and significance and objective need for representation of the writer’s authorial style. The authors offer their translation of the excerpts under consideration to identify discrepancies between translations and the source text. The study results would be interesting for scholars in linguistics, translation studies, linguocultural studies, and literary criticism.

MULTIMEDIA AS A FACTOR OF INFLUENCE ON THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION OF FUTURE PHILOLOGISTS AND TRANSLATORS

A multimedia as one of the influencing aspects of the professional orientation of future philologists-translators is considered in the article. Analyzing modern scientific literature concerning a given matter allows us to state the existence of different points of view on the interpretation regarding the phenomenon of professional orientation: as a part of the individual's orientation, its specific form; as a defining dynamic component of the general orientation. The professional orientation of an individual is being understood as a specific aspect of the general orientation, as a professional self-determination of an individual, and as a system of internal motives. The professional orientation of philologists-translators can be examined through the perspective of various factors, since the practice of forming professional orientation requires identifying the most effective measures that allow to achieve established goals, and therefore the necessity to refer to modern tools that optimize the educational process occurs. A functional range of multimedia resources allows us to conclude that the use of multimedia tools for the development of professional orientation of translators and interpreters is highly beneficial. Therefore, the modern education system should be changed in order to meet the new requirements of the current job market. One of the possible approaches to accelerate this trend is to form students' professional orientation taking into consideration the specifics of their occupation. The specifics of philologists-translators' work is defined as translation, which is a type of language mediation that determines the dominance of the communicative and intermediary function. A professional philologist-translator is a mediator of communication who conveys initial information by creating an equivalent communicative text in another language. Appropriate use of multimedia technologies determines the choice of the tools for the forming of professional orientation. Using multimedia resources ensures accurate decoding and transcoding of messages aimed at the consumer of information and enables to analyze information accurately.

Linguacultural Representations in Specialized Migration Discourse: A Lexicographic Perspective

In the last two decades increasing movements of people across countries, due to economic and social reasons, have produced high levels of exchanges among speakers of different languages where English is used globally as a lingua-franca (ELF). Moreover, migration flows across nation states (especially from non-Western countries to Western ones) have encouraged the movement of people, mainly of African and Asian origin, from students to skilled workers, who are often involved in English-mediated interactions where migrants’ native linguacultural background inevitably connects to the language spoken by the host community (e.g., in European countries), and at the same time shapes the use of English as a global means of interaction (Canagarajah, 2013). ELF cross-cultural interactions and translingual processes, naturally occurring in intercultural settings, are particularly remarkable, since they plainly show how ELF speakers, engaged in intercultural interactions, differently appropriate the English language, according to their own native linguacultural patterns, and to specific pragmalinguistic purposes and processes (Guido, 2012, 2018; Mauranen, 2018). This study will address the influence that lexical actualizations in authentic spoken encounters, as well as in written productions in specialized contexts have on the current role and function of English as an international language and which deserve coverage and consideration in lexicographic resources. Research studies on migration narratives, language mediation, cross-cultural conceptual representation and reception of traumatic events, where ELF lexical processes are often activated by the speakers involved, are particularly important to address the development of linguacultural representations that should be covered in dictionaries, lexicons and other lexicographic resources, especially online.

The importance of terminological knowledge in specialized translation

Abstract This paper focuses upon the translatorꞌs role as a language mediator in professional communication. During the translation process, terminological knowledge is essential since the information conveyed by a scientific and technical writing is encoded in terms which give access to more elaborate knowledge structures. Additionally, the translator faces situations in which a term is borrowed either from the general language or from a field of knowledge and utilized in another field. Therefore, the main challenges encountered by a translator are: identifying the terms, understanding the termsꞌ meaning, finding the suitable termsꞌ correspondents in the target language.

Legal Terminology Work For Local-Only Minorities

The paper outlines the challenges of doing legal terminology work in Italian and German to support the development of a local-only minority language (South Tyrolean German) and to foster communication with other German-speaking countries. The target groups of terminology – legal experts, language mediators and the public – have different needs and expectations that were addressed in the Information System for Legal Terminology bistro by exploiting specific terminological data categories, by seeking a compromise when drafting definitions and by implementing technical functions.

How many categories are there in crossmodal correspondences? A study based on exploratory factor analysis.

Humans naturally associate stimulus features of one sensory modality with those of other modalities, such as associating bright light with high-pitched tones. This phenomenon is called crossmodal correspondence and is found between various stimulus features, and has been suggested to be categorized into several types. However, it is not yet clear whether there are differences in the underlying mechanism between the different kinds of correspondences. This study used exploratory factor analysis to address this question. Through an online experiment platform, we asked Japanese adult participants (Experiment 1: N = 178, Experiment 2: N = 160) to rate the degree of correspondence between two auditory and five visual features. The results of two experiments revealed that two factors underlie the subjective judgments of the audiovisual crossmodal correspondences: One factor was composed of correspondences whose auditory and visual features can be expressed in common Japanese terms, such as the loudness-size and pitch-vertical position correspondences, and another factor was composed of correspondences whose features have no linguistic similarities, such as pitch-brightness and pitch-shape correspondences. These results confirm that there are at least two types of crossmodal correspondences that are likely to differ in terms of language mediation.

“If we’re lucky, we recognise potential.” A study of admission criteria and entrance screening practices in public service interpreter training

ABSTRACT The growing demand for language mediation across different domains of public service interpreting (PSI) poses a challenge for policymakers, stakeholders (institutional representatives, clients), and traditional interpreter education institutions. Alongside university-based interpreter education, different training formats have emerged internationally to meet the increased need for training. Based on a systematic review of extra-university training formats in Austria, this contribution presents the results of a qualitative follow-up study drawing upon data from semi-structured interviews with providers. The aim was to investigate whether entrance assessment procedures are employed by course providers when selecting course participants, and, if so, which they are and what motives lie behind providers’ decisions for particular admission procedures. Our study shows that while there is considerable commitment to offering customer-tailored courses to heterogeneous groups of trainees, the training formats differ and there seems to be little communication among providers regarding the establishment and adequacy of different formats for student selection.