Think-Aloud Protocols, Eye-Tracking and Key-Logging in Identification and Addressing Translation Challenges

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The research is focused on studying the translation process using the methods of allied sciences for improving a translation end product. This article deals with the identification of the most challenging prospective translation difficulties and analysis of the main macro- and micro strategies of translation on the basis of conducted experiments with combination of eye-tracking and think-aloud protocols and an experiment using keystroke logging. In the article we also make an attempt to undercover the basic principles which influence decision-making.
 Methodology: Conclusions based on the results of the study have both theoretical and practical implications. The theoretical significance of the research is expressed with the summarizing of the main translation difficulties and translation strategies of the tested. It was also revealed that the translation difficulty is not always predictable and is not always explained theoretically. As a result of the experiments the theory of H. Krings on 3 stages of translation Micro Strategy has been confirmed. Finally, the analysis of the experiments made it possible to determine the factors influencing a particular translation solution: grammatical, contextual and stylistic accuracy and euphony of the translation end product.
 Results: Regarding the first experiment, TAPs required a voice recorder, and respectively, eye-tracking assumed the usage of eye-tracker, procured by the Laboratory of Small Computer Engineering of Kazan Federal University. As equipment for the second experiment, we used a laptop with a loaded keystroke logging program recording each keystroke, as well as the time intervals between these presses. In this case, the task of the tested was to submit a written translation of the given text.
 Applications of this study: This research can be used for the universities, teachers, and students.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: In this research, the model of the Think-Aloud Protocols, Eye-Tracking, and Key-Logging in Identification and Addressing Translation Challenges are presented in a comprehensive and complete manner.