Quantifying Interpreting Types: Language Sequence Mirrors Cognitive Load Minimization in Interpreting Tasks.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Linguistics
• Psychology

Background:

• Interpreting theories propose varied processing for different types.
• Quantitative studies show lexical/syntactic differences, but grammatical parsing is limited.
• Frequency motifs offer a grammar-independent approach to analyze language sequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate frequency motif properties in simultaneous interpreting (SI) and consecutive interpreting (CI) outputs.
• To explore sequential generation behaviors in different interpreting types.
• To determine if frequency motifs can differentiate between SI and CI and inform cognitive load theories.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of frequency motifs in simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting outputs.
• Examination of motif distribution, length, and position-dependent properties.
• Application of a non-grammatically-bound language sequence analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant differences found in frequency motif distribution, length, and position-dependent properties between SI and CI.
• Frequency motif features indicate adherence to the least effort principle in both interpreting types.
• Interpreting outputs exhibit unique sequential organization influenced by task demands.

Conclusions:

• Frequency motifs can effectively differentiate between simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting.
• Findings support the least effort principle in interpreting and offer insights into cognitive load management.
• This language sequential unit provides evidence for how task features shape output organization under varying cognitive demands.