A quest for web search optimisation: an evidence-based approach to trainee translators’ behaviour

Abstract

Many translation textbooks consist of chapters dedicated to web resources and web search in general. However, surprisingly little is known about how (trainee) translators actually conduct web search. The present study, therefore, adopts an evidence-based approach to empirically examine how the web is used by trainee translators, particularly for terminology purposes. Unlike previous studies that focus on translators’ idiosyncrasies and styles, this study taps into the idea of web search optimisation. In other words, it aims to depict what characterises a more optimal web search for translation and asks about what (strategic) web search process trainee translators could engage in order to optimise their search results. Eighteen postgraduate translation students were asked to translate three texts on three separate occasions. Their translation and web search processes were screen-recorded and partially verbalised. Data suggest that more optimal web search is characterised by an ‘explorer's approach’ and more profound engagement with ‘secondary actions’ rather than ‘primary actions’.