في الترجمة
Volume 13, Numéro 1, Pages 99-121
2026-05-31
The Hidden Value Of Cat Tools: Reducing Cognitive Load In Complex Technical Texts
Authors : Nekkaa Chahrazed .
Abstract
The accurate translation of complex technical documentation is vital for safety, compliance, and market success in globalized industries. While Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are widely used, their value is typically framed within a productivity paradigm focused on speed and efficiency. This overlooks a key hypothesis from Cognitive Load Theory: that these tools may reduce extraneous mental effort. This study empirically investigates whether core CAT functionalities—Translation Memory and Termbase management—reduce cognitive load and enhance translation quality. A controlled pilot experiment with professional technical translators compared an integrated CAT environment to a standard word processor. Cognitive load was measured using the NASA-TLX, alongside performance metrics and error analysis. Results showed a significant reduction in subjective cognitive load (40–50% lower Mental Demand and Effort) with CAT tools. This cognitive offloading correlated with a 36% increase in speed and a 78% reduction in weighted errors. The study reframes CAT tools as cognitive ergonomics systems, advocating for human-centered evaluation in training, design, and project management.
Keywords
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) ; Cognitive Load Theory ; Human-Computer Interaction ; Translator Ergonomics ; Technical Translation
Les articles similaires
بوسالم أحلام
.
عابد يوسف
.
ص 117-132.
Yahia Zeghoudi
.
pages 74-88.
Said Houari Amel
.
pages 257-268.
Naveen Kumar G.
.
pages 001-016.
Zergui Aicha
.
Adder Zohra
.
pages 296-310.
