Cognitive Skills Exercises in Preliminary Interpreter Training

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of cognitive skill training on interpreter performance, focusing on active listening, working memory, and public speaking. Grounded in cognitive theories of interpreting, the research adopts a process-oriented approach to interpreter training. A quasi-experimental design was implemented at the Translation Institute of Oran, where a 7-week training module integrated targeted exercises to enhance cognitive skills. Pre-test and post-test assessments using consecutive interpreting tasks measured participants' performance, evaluated through a tailored assessment rubric. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements, supported by qualitative feedback from a post-experiment questionnaire. Findings suggest that cognitive training enhances interpreters' retention, reformulation accuracy, and delivery fluency. The study underscores the pedagogical value of integrating cognitive skill-building exercises in interpreter education while acknowledging limitations related to sample size and participant variability.