Stress factors and coping strategies in simultaneous interpreting

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify stress factors and coping strategies in simultaneous interpreting with the objective of helping interpreters improve their performance, not excluding, however, trainers and students. For this reason I applied a qualitative data analysis method. Following a pilot questionnaire an online questionnaire was posted on Facebook with twenty-nine (29) valid responses being recorded. Findings revealed that interpreters experience physical, cognitive, and emotional stress during and after the interpreting event. They have nonetheless their coping strategies which help them alleviate the stress, and / or mask their errors. Research on stress is quite complex since stress perception is individual. I believe this research is conducive to highlight the importance of the profession and interpreter training. Language competencies are an asset to the profession only if combined with intensive expert training.