A Preliminary Review of Eye Tracking Research in Interpreting Studies: Retrospect and Prospects

Abstract

The field of Interpreting Studies (IS) has witnessed an exponential increase in the development of new data-gathering techniques aimed at investigating some of the underlying cognitive and psychological processes.The present article provides a preliminary look into research studies applying eye tracking technology in the field of IS over the past few decades. The present study also aims at exploring the theoretical basis for different applications of eye tracking equipment in the investigation of the cognitive processes underlying interpreting by analyzing empirical research studies related to cognitive aspects of translation. The sampled studies are analyzed in terms of the contribution they provide for the joint development of eye tracking research in IS, in terms of the methodology used and the way data are processed and presented.Finally, the present article concludes with a discussion on future research focusing on possible developments and applications of eye tracking to authentic interpreting situational contexts. The final section presents new challenges and opportunities for unexplored applications of eye tracking in the field of IS. It is argued that interdisciplinary approaches can show the full range of possibilities of eye tracking research in the field of IS.

Eye-Tracking in Interpreting Studies: A Review of Four Decades of Empirical Studies

“…In addition, these findings, for example, on eye movement patterns in case of difficulties, in the employment of specific strategies, and their differences between trainees and professionals also contribute to interpreting training. Despite the insights afforded by previous reviews of eye-tracking IS, they are somewhat limited in breadth and scope, as the focus is either several selected studies ( Moratto, 2020 ), or a specific research dimension—methodological issues ( Korpal, 2015 ), or a specific theme—cognitive load ( Su et al, 2021 ), or a specific interpreting mode—sight interpreting ( Ma, 2017 ). Thus, this is the first attempt at a comprehensive review of eye-tracking in IS in its entirety.…”