Towards Cognitive Modelling of the Technical Translation Process

In this study we seek to provide the theoretical background for the cognitive approach to translation and focus upon its main constituents such as frames and translation strategies. We begin by discussing the role of cognitive modelling in understanding the translation process and enhancing translator competence from the perspective of various linguistic scholars. A frame-and prototype approach applied to technical translation will be presented and subjected to critical analysis through a practical qualitative and quantitative examination of written technical translations. Finally, the proposed views will be further elaborated by means of an experiment of on-sight translation that could give a clearer assumption of the concept's feasibility.