Research methods in cognitive translation and interpreting studies and bilingualism

This chapter introduces a range of methods that support inquiries into cognition of translators, interpreters, and other bilinguals. It deals with neurobiological methods, which give the most direct glimpse into the brain in action. Temporal resolution, or the correspondence of the measured activity to the timing of the actual neuronal activity, is around a couple of seconds. Electroencephalography is an electrophysiological research method that allows for the detection and analysis of electrical signals underlying neuronal communication. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation are a pair of methods also categorized as non-invasive and safe. The possibility of tracking eye movements in real time with fine spatial and near-perfect temporal precision has provided a relatively accessible window on cognition of translators and other bilinguals to many scholars. Tasks involving single words usually measure response times and accuracy of responses.