The issue of quality in simultaneous interpretation

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to investigate whether simultaneous interpretation (SI) conducted by interpreters with different educational attainment and work experiences results in different perceptions of its quality. The inquiry may contribute to new insights into the issue of quality perception in SI, in particular to the elaboration of educational programs and the promotion of the value of literature that can be used as study materials. To achieve this purpose, an experiment was conducted to measure the undergraduate students' perceptions of the quality of simultaneous interpreting from English to Russian conducted by three interpreters who varied in educational attainment and work experiences. There were quantitative and qualitative results. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups to listen to the following versions of the SI: (A) interpretation of a specialist with a degree in translation studies, but without enough work experience in real-life, (B) interpretation of an interpreter with a degree in translation studies and experience and (C) interpretation of specialist without a degree in SI, but with a substantial work experience. Overall, the data analysis showed that educational attainment and work experience are positively related to positive perceptions of the quality of interpreting. Moreover, it was revealed that the respondents of group C demonstrated more favorable perceptions of the quality of interpreting than respondents of groups A and B. In other words, the perceptions of the quality of SI conducted by an interpreter without a relevant qualification, but with substantial work experience was most positive. This suggests that work experience could have a greater positive effect on quality perceptions, and this is probably not surprising as work experience implies the development and enhancement of translation skills in a real-life context. The qualitative results have demonstrated the explanation of quality perceptions in content, delivery, or form-related criteria. These also suggest that an interpreter's education and work experience have a peculiar value on the process of quality perception in various criteria. Although, the length of work experience can emphasize a particular difference