The think aloud method in studying the translation process

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical description of the process-oriented research method in translation studies known as the think aloud method and a case study of an experimental application of think-aloud protocols (TAP). The article begins with a brief description of the relevance of its topic, taking into account the state of current researches in the field of translation studies. A literature review of recent publications where the think aloud method and think-aloud protocols as the principal introspective and retrospective method in different translation studies is given. The shortcomings and advantages of applying the think aloud method are discussed and the ways to optimise the use of this method for effective verbal data gathering are suggested. The main body of the paper consists of the detailed description of the think aloud method within the framework of the experimental research on the strategic competence of the Ukrainian students majoring in translation studies at Yurii Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. The author presents the participants of the experiment and briefly explains the choice of the translation tasks used for the experimental research. The analysis of the texts selected for the experimental translation research is discussed. The procedure of gathering verbal reports from the participants of the experimental group is described. The author gives detailed instructions on how to prepare participants of an experimental research at the introductory phase for using the think aloud method, how a researcher should behave during an interview, how to make audio and video recording, how to remind participants of an experimental group to think aloud, etc. The results of the conducted experimental research as well as the analysis of the gathered verbal data are presented. It is shown how verbal data can serve as a means of analysis of Ukrainian-speaking students’ strategic competence. Some practical examples illustrate the unique characteristics of the verbal data inherent to the participants of the experimental group. The paper concludes with the discussion of implications of the research and avenues for further studies devoted to the think aloud method applied with other tools to gain wider understanding of students’ behaviour during translation process.