Review

Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research

Volume: 12 Number: 2 December 29, 2025
TR EN

Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research

Abstract

This study aims at comparing the studies on working memory and interpreting with the ones on working memory and translation in terms of their main perspectives and focus. Primarily, the study posits that the number of studies on working memory and interpreting is higher than those on working memory and translation in literature. Still, it is possible to observe a growing attention directed to working memory in translation research during the last years (Li, 2020; Wang, 2021; Naranjo Ruiz & Giraldo Ospina, 2023). Also, this review article delves into the tools used in the studies by providing comparative analysis. At this point, the applicability of the tools widely used in interpreting research to translation research is investigated. The data was collected from two databases (Google Scholar and John Benjamin E-Platform) and accordingly, 24 studies (19 in interpreting research and 5 in translation research) were included and analyzed. Thus, the study examines from what perspectives working memory was investigated in interpreting and translation research and what tools were used to measure working memory capacities in these studies with a specific focus on potential differences and common grounds on a comparative basis. The results of this research can reinforce the applicability of different research tools for the measurement of working memory in translation research. They also provide valuable insights into further studies to be conducted with the combination of a variety of perspectives and research tools.

Keywords

References

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  2. Antonova Ünlü, E. & Sağın Şimşek, Ç. (2018). Testing the impact of formal interpreting training on working memory capacity: Evidence from Turkish–English students–interpreters. Lingua, 209, 78-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lingua.2018.04.003
  3. Baddeley, A. & Hitch, G. (1974). Working memory. Psychology of Learning and Motivation, 8, 47-89.
  4. Baddeley, A. D. (2007). Working memory, thought, and action. Oxford University Press.
  5. Bajo, M. T., Padilla, F., & Padilla, P. (2000). Comprehension processes in simultaneous interpreting. In A.
  6. Chesterman, N. G. San Salvador, & Y. Gambier (Eds.), Translation in context (pp. 127–142). John Benjamins.
  7. Chmiel, A. (2018). In search of the working memory advantage in conference interpreting – Training, experience and task effects. International Journal of Bilingualism, 22(3), 371–384.
  8. Christoffels, I. K., de Groot, A. M. B. & Kroll, J. F. (2006). Memory and language skills in simultaneous interpreters: the role of expertise and language proficiency. Journal of Memory and Language, 54, 324–345. doi: 10.1016/j.jml.2005.12.004

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Translation and Interpretation Studies, Translation Studies

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

December 29, 2025

Submission Date

October 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 12 Number: 2

APA
Güneş Uçar, N. (2025). Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 12(2), 124-142. https://doi.org/10.30803/adusobed.1810413
AMA
1.Güneş Uçar N. Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2025;12(2):124-142. doi:10.30803/adusobed.1810413
Chicago
Güneş Uçar, Nur. 2025. “Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research”. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 12 (2): 124-42. https://doi.org/10.30803/adusobed.1810413.
EndNote
Güneş Uçar N (December 1, 2025) Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 12 2 124–142.
IEEE
[1]N. Güneş Uçar, “Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research”, Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 124–142, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.30803/adusobed.1810413.
ISNAD
Güneş Uçar, Nur. “Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research”. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi 12/2 (December 1, 2025): 124-142. https://doi.org/10.30803/adusobed.1810413.
JAMA
1.Güneş Uçar N. Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2025;12:124–142.
MLA
Güneş Uçar, Nur. “Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research”. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 124-42, doi:10.30803/adusobed.1810413.
Vancouver
1.Nur Güneş Uçar. Working Memory in Interpreting and Translation Research. Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2025 Dec. 1;12(2):124-42. doi:10.30803/adusobed.1810413