This paper reports on an empirical study that investigates the translation process in the workplace from a cognitive ergonomic perspective. In particular, the interaction between ten translators employed by a language service provider and the tools they deploy are examined. To that end, we recorded the translators’ workplace activities using keystroke logging, screen recording and eye tracking, combined with short retrospective interviews. We analysed their behaviour in terms of how they switched between the two screens on their desks, how they used different tools and where they invested their visual attention. Data related to productivity and quality are also presented. Among other findings, our data reveal that validation searches for terms and general expressions lead to considerable tool and task switching among professional translators.
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