Abstract:
The purpose of the research is to investigate whether simultaneous interpretation (SI)
conducted by interpreters with different educational attainment and work experiences results in
different perceptions of its quality. The inquiry may contribute to new insights into the issue of
quality perception in SI, in particular to the elaboration of educational programs and the
promotion of the value of literature that can be used as study materials. To achieve this purpose,
an experiment was conducted to measure the undergraduate students' perceptions of the quality
of simultaneous interpreting from English to Russian conducted by three interpreters who varied
in educational attainment and work experiences. There were quantitative and qualitative results.
Participants were randomly assigned to three groups to listen to the following versions of the SI:
(A) interpretation of a specialist with a degree in translation studies, but without enough work
experience in real-life, (B) interpretation of an interpreter with a degree in translation studies and
experience and (C) interpretation of specialist without a degree in SI, but with a substantial work
experience. Overall, the data analysis showed that educational attainment and work experience
are positively related to positive perceptions of the quality of interpreting. Moreover, it was
revealed that the respondents of group C demonstrated more favorable perceptions of the quality
of interpreting than respondents of groups A and B. In other words, the perceptions of the quality
of SI conducted by an interpreter without a relevant qualification, but with substantial work
experience was most positive. This suggests that work experience could have a greater positive
effect on quality perceptions, and this is probably not surprising as work experience implies the
development and enhancement of translation skills in a real-life context. The qualitative results
have demonstrated the explanation of quality perceptions in content, delivery, or form-related
criteria. These also suggest that an interpreter's education and work experience have a peculiar
value on the process of quality perception in various criteria. Although, the length of work
experience can emphasize a particular difference
