Scientific article
OA Policy
English

On the Lookout for Accessible Translation Aids: Current Scenario and New Horizons for Blind Translation Students and Professionals

Publication date2016
Abstract

The introduction of specialised computer software to support translation practice has shaped the translation industry landscape, transforming the use of Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) systems into a prime requirement for translators to successfully enter the marketplace. This technological turn has placed visually impaired translation students −and professionals− at a disadvantage with respect to their sighted peers, as a seamless interaction between translation software and assistive technologies (AT) is not always guaranteed. By drawing on data collected over the last five years from two main exploratory studies involving students and experienced translation practitioners with visual impairments, this paper aims at providing a snapshot of the current state of the art concerning the accessibility of CAT tools for blind users. Additionally, we attempt to offer some insight into the pedagogical implications of the latter for translation technology training in a university setting. In general terms, our findings reveal that the inaccessible design of the most popular CAT systems and the lack of appropriate support from their developers may limit the chances of blind students of fully developing their translation careers. Similarly, they urge for a change of mindset among both tool developers and translation technology lecturers.

Keywords
  • Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)
  • Translation Technology Training
  • Software Accessibility
  • Visual Impairments
  • Translator-Computer Interaction (TCI)
Citation (ISO format)
RODRIGUEZ VAZQUEZ, Silvia, MILETO, Fiorenza. On the Lookout for Accessible Translation Aids: Current Scenario and New Horizons for Blind Translation Students and Professionals. In: Journal of Translator Education and Translation Studies (TETS), 2016, vol. 1, n° 2, p. 115–135.
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
accessLevelPublic
Identifiers
  • PID : unige:88953
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511downloads

Technical informations

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