From translation market to translation curriculum: psychosocial and physical ergonomics in Turkey

ABSTRACT The present study aims to address the lack of nation-wide exploration of ergonomics of translation in Turkey and to build psychosocial and physical ergonomics awareness among translation students. Our research design encapsulated two projects. An initial project, a nation-wide survey, provided an overview of the situation in Turkey in relation to ergonomics of translation. The second project, conducted within the framework of a course designed to build ergonomic awareness, was a multi-method action research project involving interviews, direct observations and project-based learning. In the first phase of the project, the 20 senior students enrolled in the course administered a survey to 250 translators as part of a field research project, also involving semi-structured interviews during workplace visits. In the second phase, students completed a translation project, simulating a real market situation and exposing them to the challenges of organisational ergonomics. Our study highlights a lack of common standards and awareness in the field of ergonomics in Turkey. It revealed that students’ reports reflected clear benefits from direct interactions with the market actors and the observation of ergonomic conditions in the field. The insights from such a course can equip students with the knowledge and skills required for professional life.