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An Eye-Movement Analysis of Overt Visual Attention During Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting Modes in a
Stephen Doherty1, Natalie Martschuk2, Jane Goodman-Delahunty3
1School of Humanities and Languages, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 11, 2022
Summary
Remote interpreting in investigations magnifies miscommunication risks. Consecutive interpreting via video-link demands more visual attention shifts and fixations than simultaneous, impacting interpreter performance.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Remote interpreting via video-link is increasingly used in investigative interviews for accessibility and efficiency.
- However, risks of miscommunication are magnified, and empirical research on video-link interpreting is limited.
- Optimal interpreting modes (consecutive vs. simultaneous) for remote settings require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically compare overt visual attention and interpreting performance in remote consecutive versus simultaneous interpreting using eye tracking.
- To investigate the impact of interpreting mode on interpreter visual behavior and task management in video-link investigative interviews.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject design was used with 28 accredited interpreters performing remote consecutive and simultaneous interpreting via video-link.
- Eye-tracking technology monitored interpreters' overt visual attention (gaze time, fixations, attention shifts) during simulated investigative interviews.
- Interpreting performance was assessed based on accuracy, verbal rapport, and management.
Main Results:
- Consecutive interpreting showed significantly less on-screen gaze time due to off-screen notetaking, more fixations, and attention shifts compared to simultaneous interpreting.
- Interpreters directed more visual attention to the Interviewer than the Suspect, especially in the consecutive mode.
- Significant correlations were found between eye-tracking measures and interpreting performance (accuracy, rapport, management).
Conclusions:
- Consecutive interpreting via video-link demands greater visual attention shifts, potentially impacting performance.
- Interpreters' visual attention allocation differs between consecutive and simultaneous modes in remote investigative settings.
- Findings provide empirical evidence to inform best practices and policy for remote interpreting in investigations.
