Author’s name:
- Dmitry V. Balaganov – Russian State University for Humanities, Moscow, Russia,
- Yelena G. Knyazeva – Military University of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Abstract:
The article examines ways of mitigating the effects of stress in simultaneous interpretation from the perspective of the cognitive-dynamic concept of simultaneous interpreting. The authors distinguish between two types of stress — positive and negative — and argue that both significantly influence interpreters’ cognitive performance. The main aim of the article is to identify and describe key strategies employed in simultaneous interpretation under conditions of stress. To achieve this aim, the authors address several interrelated objectives. The research methodology includes an in-depth analysis of existing scholarly literature on translation and interpreting strategies, retrospective reflection on the authors’ professional experience as simultaneous interpreters, and inductive reasoning leading to independent theoretical conclusions. The study also integrates theoretical perspectives on strategies of simultaneous interpretation under stress within a cognitive-linguistic framework. As a result, the authors propose their own definition of a translation strategy and provide a detailed account of the dynamics of the cognitive mechanisms involved in simultaneous interpretation under stress. These mechanisms include perception and comprehension, information processing, language switching, selection of an interpretation option, synchronization, and anticipation. The discussion is supported by concrete examples drawn from professional interpreting practice. Particular attention is given to the description of three stress-related strategies: the failsafe mode strategy, the reconstruction strategy, and the visual backup strategy. Within this framework, the article identifies situations in which each strategy is most effective, explains their underlying mechanisms, and outlines specific actions that simultaneous interpreters should undertake, as well as the expected outcomes of their application. The authors also offer practical recommendations for comprehensively addressing negative stress load in simultaneous interpretation. The findings of the study may be applied both theoretically and practically. From a theoretical perspective, they contribute to further research on simultaneous interpretation within the field of cognitive linguistics. From a practical perspective, they may be used in the development of textbooks, teaching materials, and training courses for theoretical and applied interpretation disciplines. The novelty of the research lies in the authors’ original definition of a trans-lation strategy that explicitly incorporates the psychological factor, as well as in the comprehensive description of simultaneous interpretation strategies under stress based on both theoretical analysis and professional interpreting experience.
| Section | LANGUAGE AND CULTURE |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2025-72-4-32-44 |
| Downloads | 1186 |
| Key words | simultaneous interpretation; stress; translation strategy; degraded mode; reconstruction; visual support |