Translation and Cognitive Sciences: Understanding the Influence of Selective Attention

The aim of this paper is to study the influence of attention on translation. The study will provide a detailed analysis of the correlation between specific types of errors and distorted selective attention. With reference to the definition of attention, this paper explains first how a translator completes a dedicated task while managing his attention resources. Second, an empirical study has been conducted to explore the negative influence of distorted attention in making errors and, thus, in decreasing the quality of the translated output. Results showed that selective attention influences the translation process in case of a distorted work environment, thus pushing the translator, unintendedly, to make errors. The paper concludes by affirming that training the translator to cope with his work environment and to better distribute his attention can limit errors while translating.