An exploratory study on CAI tools in simultaneous interpreting: Theoretical framework and stimulus validation

The acquisition of terminology and specialized knowledge prior to a technical conference represents a fundamental phase in the interpreter’s workflow, but quick and easy access to terminological information during the interpreting task is equally important to support the interpreter in the rendition of terminology and to ensure a high-quality interpreting performance. Over the past few years, terminology management tools have been developed specifically for interpreters, but the impact of such tools on the cognitive processes involved in simultaneous interpreting is still unclear. To this end, an exploratory study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of the stimuli adopted for data collection and to verify whether the use of computer-assisted interpreting tools causes saturation or, on the contrary, helps prevent it by reducing the local cognitive load during terminology search and delivery of the target text.