Matrix Model of Cooperative Translation

Abstract

The article deals with modelling the translation process performed in the frameworks of a translation project in a team that consists of translators and experts from related fields. This type of collaborative activity is denoted by the term "cooperative translation" studied from the perspective of the integrative approach and synergetics. The cooperative translation of a photo album, which describes museum exhibits was chosen as the material for the study. The analysis of the operational processes of the project is presented by means of a matrix model in two variants: an organizational matrix and a responsibility matrix. Both models imply the intersection of horizontal and vertical alignment of management and communication levels with a description of the roles of participants, their position in the project matrix structure, characteristics of functional responsibilities and the degree of involvement in the project. The authors proposed a hypothesis about the effectiveness of the matrix format for visualizing operational processes in cooperative translation activities and adapting the communication flows between the participants, which is validated by empirical data. The findings confirm the practicality of the modelling and mapping methodology to describing cooperative activities within a translation project. The article indicates further directions that work should take including a deeper analysis of cooperative translation from a cognitive perspective with reference to embodied cognition of a related research area.