Bianca Prandi Knihy

This work investigates computer-assisted simultaneous interpreting (CASI) from a cognitive perspective, addressing concerns about the impact of computer-assisted interpreting (CAI) tools on interpreters’ cognitive load (CL). Despite these concerns, the hypothesis remains untested, with prior research limited to evaluating CASI products rather than the cognitive modeling of the process. To advance CAI research, it is crucial to develop a validated methodology that explores both the product and process of CASI. This study tests and validates such a methodology through a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from an eye-tracking experiment at the Translation & Cognition Centre of the University of Mainz, involving nine interpreting students. Participants were trained on three terminology support tools: a digital glossary in PDF format, a CAI tool with manual look-up, and a mock-up CAI tool with integrated automatic speech recognition (ASR). They interpreted three speeches from English to German using each tool, with controlled variables validated in a pilot study. The analysis included gaze data, delivery performance, and subjective perceptions of the tools. Findings reveal insights into the effects of CAI tools on CL and attention allocation during simultaneous interpreting, marking a significant step in the methodological development of CAI research and highlighting further questions for investigat