“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 189 ~
THE NEUROLINGUISTIC UNDERPINNINGS OF SIMULTANEOUS
INTERPRETATION: INSIGHTS FROM FOXP2 GENES AND
SYNESTHESIA
Ortiqova Mehrixon Doniyor qizi
second year student of the Faculty of
Theory and Practice of Translation, TSUULL
Abstract:
This article has explored the interplay between simultaneous
interpretation and neurolinguistics, delving into the roles of synesthesia, FOXP2
genes, and brain language processing in enhancing interpreting skills.
Keywords:
simultaneous interpreting, neurolinguistics, brain functions,
language processing, genes, synesthesia.
The process of translating spoken language into another language in real time,
usually while the speaker is still speaking, is known as simultaneous interpreting (SI).
This method is frequently employed in multilingual gatherings, conferences, and
international meetings. In order to facilitate smooth communication between
participants who speak various languages, the translator listens to the speaker through
headphones and delivers the message in the target language virtually instantly.
SI is a cognitive task, with a high cognitive load, which may also represent an
interesting field of research for neurolinguists (Fabbro & Gran, 1997).
Neurolinguistics is the study of how language is processed in the brain. It offers
information on how the brain handles different languages, which can assist
interpreters in creating cognitive load management plans. The fields of simultaneous
translation and neurolinguistics cross in a number of ways. For example, these
domains overlap in areas like the study of neural mechanisms, the function of
working memory, the dynamics of bilingualism, and the comprehension of how the
brain processes language.
A sophisticated network of brain areas processes language, allowing for the
integration, production, and comprehension of linguistic information. One of the most
important regions is Broca's area, which is normally located in the posterior region of
the frontal gyrus on the left frontal lobe. This area is essential for grammatical
processing and language production, aiding in the construction of sentences and
speech articulation. Another significant region is Wernicke's area, which is situated in
the posterior region of the superior temporal gyrus in the left temporal lobe.
Understanding spoken and written language is made possible by this region, which
also processes incoming auditory information. And the damage of these brain areas
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 190 ~
may cause aphasia which means a language disorder caused by damage to parts of the
brain that control speech and understanding of language ( Johns Hopkins).
Picture 1. Language processing in the brain.
However, the brain must coordinate the respective brain regions while managing
and switching between two different linguistic systems in order to process multiple
languages. For example, in order to comprehend and generate speech in real-time
during SI, the brain must perform parallel processing, engaging both the source and
target language regions at the same time. In order to prioritize the most important
information and eliminate distractions, the brain may also use executive processes
including inhibition and selective attention. This enables interpreters to accurately
and efficiently process numerous languages under time constraints. People who are
bilingual frequently transition between languages during conversations, a practice
known as "code-switching." When the environment, speaker, or topic changes, the
brain may swiftly access and transition between the two language systems. When
processing many languages, the brain pulls words from a mental lexicon that includes
terms from every language that is known to exist. This mental lexicon is modified by
context, frequency of use, and linguistic proficiency. Cognitive control, or the ability
to focus attention and block out distractions from one language while using another,
is necessary for managing several languages. In order to prioritize important
information and eliminate distractions, executive functions like inhibition and
selective attention are also triggered, allowing interpreters to process many languages
accurately and quickly under time pressure.
Understanding the neurological mechanisms of simultaneous translation can be
gained by examining which parts of the brain are active during this process. Brain
activity during translation activities can be observed using methods such as fMRI or
EEG. According to researches, the brain alternates between processing the source
language in regions such as Wernicke's area (which is in charge of language
comprehension) and Broca's area (which is in charge of language production) and
processing the target language in corresponding regions of the cerebral cortex during
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 191 ~
simultaneous interpretation. Additionally, to integrate information from many
languages, other parts of the frontal and temporal lobes—like the angular gyrus—are
activated. The intricate process of switching necessitates resource management and
coordination in order to avoid disruptions and guarantee bilingual proficiency.
Moreover, interpreters must manage both listening and speaking tasks in near real-
time, which involves dividing their attention between the incoming source message
and their output. This type of multitasking is unique in that it doesn't rely on true
parallel processing but on rapid switching between the two tasks. Cognitive studies
suggest that rather than processing two tasks simultaneously, the brain is more likely
engaging in swift alternation, switching back and forth in milliseconds to keep up
with both listening and speaking demands (Christoffels, I. K., & De Groot, A. M,
2005).
Many scholars have argued on the cognitive complexity of SI. In order to
provide experimental support for the hypothesis that SI is a complex cognitive task,
Darò and Fabbro (1994) conducted a study with 24 student interpreters who were
asked to perform a digit span task under four different conditions: listening,
shadowing, articulatory suppression, and SI. According to the results, performance
turned out to be poorer after SI. That was interpreted as suggesting that SI was,
indeed, the most complex task, from a cognitive point of view (Riccardo Moratto,
2019).
Besides the brain, another field that helps us explore language processing is the
FOXP2 gene. A gene called FOXP2 is critical for the growth and operation of the
parts of the brain that process language, especially Broca's area, which affects the
firing patterns, neuronal connections, and synaptic plasticity necessary for speech
generation and understanding. The function of FOXP2 in the neural networks that
facilitate language processing and communication has been highlighted by the
association between mutations in this gene and problems with speech development
and language impairment. Research in genetics and neuroscience places a lot of
emphasis on FOXP2, a member of the Forkhead box P2 gene family, since it plays a
crucial role in learning and memory, among other cognitive functions.
Pictuare2. FOXP2 genes.
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 192 ~
As I explore the intricate workings of the brain, a question arises: could the
possession of FOXP2 genes, inherited from our ancestors who spoke diverse
languages, facilitate our ability to learn and translate languages more effectively?
This theory is based on the knowledge that FOXP2 genes are essential for the
development of language abilities, such as speech and language processing. Thus, it
is worthwhile to investigate the possible impact of these genes on our linguistic
capacities. Learning and translating languages related to their ancestry may be
simpler for those whose FOXP2 genes suggest a genetic tendency for language
proficiency. Their ability to learn and translate languages may be influenced by this
hereditary component in addition to contextual and experiential factors, which could
lead to faster acquisition and more accurate translation.
In addition to the brain and genetic functions involved in language processing
and interpretation, there are methods for simultaneous interpretation, one of which is
called note-taking. While note-taking has traditionally been associated with
consecutive interpretation (CI), it has also become a valuable tool for simultaneous
interpreters. Note-taking in SI helps reduce cognitive load by providing visual cues
that aid memory retention, particularly during complex discussions (Gile, D. 2009).
We frequently come across intricate statements in the field of simultaneous
interpretation that call for careful note-taking. We must, however, simplify the
information in order to guarantee that we effectively and efficiently record the most
important facts. This is where minimalistic or scientific language is useful since it
enables us to communicate important ideas and concepts without superfluous detail.
We can save time and mental effort while improving the precision and clarity of our
perceptions by using clear, succinct language. Simultaneous interpretation frequently
involves interpreters using shorthand or symbolic notation, such as drawing a home
to stand in for the word "house." Additionally, they might create their own sign
language, which is a language system in which words are represented by specific
visual symbols. This behavior can be likened to synesthesia. It is the process by
which feelings in one modality are linked to feelings in another, such when you
picture words as colors. This skill is essential for many proficient interpreters, who
use their synesthetic abilities to help memorize information and take notes.
Interpreters can better record and retain the information they hear by mentally
associating words with related pictures, hues, or other sensory sensations. This is a
crucial component of successful simultaneous interpretation.
In summary, simultaneous interpretation is a challenging undertaking that
touches on many different areas of research. Its complexities draw on neurological
processes, cognitive processes, and even sensory experiences in addition to
emphasizing the need of language proficiency. We may appreciate the extraordinary
skill set necessary for successful interpretation by comprehending the underlying
“
Global lingvistika: yangi yondashuvlar va tadqiqotlar”
mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy anjuman
~ 193 ~
mechanisms, which will ultimately improve our cross-cultural and cross-linguistic
communication.
References:
1.
Aglioti S., & Fabbro, F. (1993). Paradoxical selective recovery in a bilingual
following
subcortical
lesions.
Neuroreport,
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1359-1362.
https://doi.org/10.1097/00001756-199309150-00019
2.
Riccardo Moratto (2019). A Preliminary Review of Neurolinguistics
Research
in
Simultaneous
Interpreting
(SI),
file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/A_Preliminary_Review_of_Neurolinguistics_Resear
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3.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/aphasia#
4.
Christoffels, I. K., & De Groot, A. M. (2005). Simultaneous interpreting: A
cognitive perspective. The Interpreters' Newsletter, 13, 53-67
5.
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/foxp2/
6.
Gile, D. (2009). Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator
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7.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24995-synesthesia
