The translator's cognitive decision making

Abstract EN

The translator goes in his translation process through different phases which makes his work so complex.

Gouadec distinguishes a total of 156 sequences of potential operations in a translation process.

In other words, I propose the three c's to describe the work phase of a translator: Chance, choice and change.

So whenever the chance of translating knocks his door, the translator had better seize the opportunity which is like a cloud and will not last long.

Then he will surely show signs of change provided that he makes the right choice and takes the convenient decision.

However, the ability to choose among multiple available alternatives is not always a piece of cake.

In short, is the cognitive decision made by any translator based on a careful analytical deliberation, or on a hidden, unseen, mysterious and instinctive thought? Sometimes, the translator is at the roundabout with various roads and he is undecided about the right destination he should follow.

He finds himself in a dilemma about which word or expression he has to select.

Thus, he thinks about it for a while and many ideas are hanging over his head.

Suddenly, he is in favour of a particular option.

So what happened in his black box? When, for instance, the translator is in front of two words such as: "