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Translating in fits and starts

Pause thresholds and roles in the research of translation
processes
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Journal: Perspectives: Studies in Translation Theory and Practice

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Manuscript ID PST-1093.R1

Manuscript Type: Paper

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cognitive translation studies, process analysis, pause thresholds, task

Keywords:
segments, keylogging, Translation Theory
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32 1-hour translation sessions from 5 originals by 2 translation trainees

were analyzed following Muñoz & Martín's (2018) approach to establish two
pause thresholds aimed at chunking the workflow into task segments and
to classify pauses into different kinds. An upper threshold at 3 x median
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pause between words was hypothesized to be able to capture more

translation problems than a 3 s pause, but also other processing
phenomena. Together with the upper threshold, and a baseline set at 200
ms, a lower threshold at 2 x median pause within words was used to
Abstract: classify pauses into delays and short, mid and long pauses. Such pauses
were hypothesized to mainly hint at different cognitive phenomena. Finally,
empty task segments (with no new text or changes in existing copy) were
hypothesized to be strategically distributed to allow for planning and
prospective reading. Results confirmed hypotheses 1 and 2 and partially
supported hypothesis 3, although some findings were unexpected and
point to further research into the psychological/behavioral status of task
segments, understood as a chunk of the activity, rather than as a text
excerpt.

https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/mm-pst Email: RMPS-peerreview@journals.tandf.co.uk

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400
TT UT 3S
350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
stA stB stC stD stE
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Flora TT UT 3S
250

200

150

100

50

0
A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 E1 E2
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Miguel TT UT 3S
250

200

150

100

50

0
A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 E1 E2
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TT problems
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
F M F M F M F M F M
stA stB stC stD stE
Table 5. Total number (TP) and percentage pauses between words (B) and within words
(W), according to their size (MP, LP),per subject and ST.

Table 6. Percentage and mean duration of long and mid pauses depending on their
placement, per subject and ST.
Table 7. Task segment number, nature, and length
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empty full B3F
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21

18

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0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41

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C3M
24 empty full

21

18

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1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39
Figure 6. Unfolding of sessions B3F (top) and C3M (bottom) Task segments (Y axis
represents chains)
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