Context-embedded phonological memory in interpreters

Abstract This pilot study examines the hypothesis that the phonological memory of interpreters is superior to that of non-interpreters when embedded in a context. Context-embedded phonological memory (CEPM) is a product of the interaction between semantic and phonological memory, and becomes a component of interpreters’ professional expertise because of their attentional control. Four groups with different years of interpretation experience were asked to recall texts with distinct CEPM features. CEPM and its retrieval process were measured using WordSmith 6.0 and My Screen Recorder. Professional interpreters retrieved a high amount of CEPM (39.6 %), but were outperformed by interpreter trainees (40.52 %), roughly 15 years younger on average. Group difference was statistically significant only between the groups with interpretation experience and the teacher group. Only professionals’ performance in retrieving highly abstract information and the proper names and numbers in a context suggests that professionals are skilled at exploiting phonological information to create an elaborate semantic network.