Cognitive mechanisms of the professional competence of a simultaneous interpreter

this article explores the cognitive mechanisms underlying the professional competence of a simultaneous interpreter. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing role of oral translation in global communication and the need for a deep understanding of the processes of perception, processing, and transmission of information. Special attention is given to the analysis of cognitive processes such as memory, attention, speech processing, and decision-making, which contribute to the successful work of an interpreter in conditions of high speed and multitasking. To achieve the stated goals, an interdisciplinary methodology was applied that combines methods from experimental psychology, cognitive linguistics, and error analysis. The study was conducted with the participation of professional simultaneous interpreters working in various fields. Methods of observation, cognitive function testing, and translation analysis followed by statistical data analysis were used. This approach made it possible to identify key cognitive strategies and determine their influence on the quality of the translation. The data obtained indicate that the effectiveness of a simultaneous interpreter’s work depends on a high degree of automation of cognitive processes and the ability to rapidly adapt them in stressful situations. It was found that a well-developed working memory, quick operational attention, and the ability to swiftly switch between languages contribute to improved translation accuracy and speed. In addition, the study determined the specifics of cognitive load, which varies depending on the complexity of the text and the degree of its emotional coloring.

cognitive, mechanisms, competence, simultaneous, interpreter