Doctoral fellow - Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication

OPPORTUNITY DETAILS

Total reward

0 $

State University

Ghent University

Area

Western Europe

Host Country

Belgium

Deadline

15 Jun 2021

Study level

Doctoral Degree

Opportunity type

PhD

Specialities

Linguistics , Psychology

Opportunity funding

Not funding

Eligible Countries

This opportunity is destined for all countries

Eligible Region

All Regions

Last application date Jun 15, 2021 00:00

Department LW22 - Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Experimental Psychology, or equivalent

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

The Department of Translation, Interpreting and Communication is looking for a full-time PhD student to work on a project entitled ‘On the cognitive side of translation and interpreting: Process, performance, and product’ under the supervision of Prof. Dr Evy Woumans.
The aim of the project is to glance behind the cognitive screens of translation and interpreting, creating a cognitive model of the entire rendition process while also taking into account performance and the final product. In order to create such a model, the PhD candidate will be required to set up empirical studies, for which he or she will have to collect, analyse, and interpret the data.

A first objective will be to investigate whether translators/interpreters process text differently from control subjects, such as bilinguals. This will be done for natural reading/listening as well as reading/listening for translation. In addition, the candidate will explore how translators and interpreters monitor their own output when a transfer into another language is required. A second objective will be to determine whether these processes become attuned during translation/interpreter training and practice. Specifically, it will be the candidate’s task to examine whether certain aspects related to the act of translation/interpreting differ between novices, professionals, and controls. These aspects will include processing of anomalous/ambiguous text, working memory capacity, and language control. A third and final objective will be to look at the translation output (spoken and written) and determine whether readers/listeners display cognitive differences when processing a rendition as compared to the original text. Thereby, the candidate should identify possible difficulties related to transferring the text into another language.

Job profile

In order to be considered for the current position, the following qualifications or required:

- The appropriate degree, as specified above
- A talent for research in general and some demonstrable affinity with the research topic in particular
- Strong motivation to complete the PhD track and curriculum
- Experience with statistical analyses and eye-tracking or the intention of acquiring these skills within six months after appointment
- Great organisational and planning skills
- High proficiency in both English and Dutch

How to apply

To apply, please send your full application before 15 June 2021 to Professor Evy Woumans (evy.woumans@ugent.be). Ascertain that you include the following documents:

- Your application letter (max. two pages)
- Your curriculum vitae
- A copy of your Master thesis
- A copy of your Master diploma

After an initial screening, interviews will take place online in the second half of June through Zoom or MS Teams.