Investigating the ergonomics of a technologized translation workplace

Abstract

The modern translation workplace is characterized by intensive human-computer interaction and heavy use of language technology. In such settings, translators are subject to temporal and spatial constraints that can be mitigated or accentuated by good and poor ergonomic design, respectively. In the research reported here, an ergonomic framework encompassing physical, cognitive, and organizational aspects of the workplace has been used to gain insights into the situated activity of translation. The multi-method approach includes screen and video recordings, interviews, and ergonomic assessments at the workplace. The results of a case from our corpus suggest that apparently minor disturbances can have a negative effect on the efficiency of the translation process and potentially impact job satisfaction and even health.

A turn to ergonomics in translator and interpreter training

“…PACTE [2016]; EST [2016EST [ , 2019) and a number of publications (e.g. Lavault-Olléon 2011Ehrensberger-Dow and Massey 2014;Ehrensberger-Dow and Hunziker Heeb 2016;O'Brien et al 2017) on the topic. Despite the fact that it has not been a trending topic, translation scholars and, to a slightly lesser degree, interpreting scholars do seem to have taken a close interest in ergonomics.…”

13. Insights from translation process research in the workplace

“…In principle, this can allow for interesting comparisons between language versions, but the situation is often complicated by the blurring of boundaries between source and target text production (see Van de Geuchte & Van Vaerenbergh, 2016). Although certain comparisons cannot be planned and may never be possible, individual case studies can also provide rich insights into translation practice in professional settings (e. g. Ehrensberger-Dow & Hunziker Heeb, 2016;Risku, 2014).…”

Doing Applied Linguistics

“…In principle, this can allow for interesting comparisons between language versions, but the situation is often complicated by the blurring of boundaries between source and target text production (see Van de Geuchte & Van Vaerenbergh, 2016). Although certain comparisons cannot be planned and may never be possible, individual case studies can also provide rich insights into translation practice in professional settings (e. g. Ehrensberger-Dow & Hunziker Heeb, 2016;.…”