The Evolution of Empirical Research in Translation Studies: From Cognitive Insights to AI-Enhanced Horizons

This comprehensive essay traces the evolution and significance of empirical research in translation studies, from its nascent stages in the late 1970s to contemporary advancements. Beginning with foundational work such as that of Baddeley and Hitch in 1974, this paper chronicles key milestones such as Harris and Sherwood’s insights into natural translation, Hans-Peter Krings’s pioneering exploration of translators’ cognitive processes using Think Aloud Protocols (TAPs), and the intersection of cognitive science with translation. As the narrative unfolds, the potential of Artificial Intelligence and modern technological tools is also discussed, suggesting new horizons for understanding the intricate cognitive processes in translation. The essay concludes by emphasizing the imperative of future research at the nexus of human cognition, traditional translation practices, and modern AI technologies, signaling a bright trajectory for the field of translation studies in the era of technological advancements.