Psychological stress experienced by Arab simultaneous interpreters

Abstract

This study explores the psychological stress faced by interpreters proficient in the Arabic <> English language pair. Using a five-Likert-point survey, the study seeks to ascertain the perceptions of simultaneous interpreters regarding the stress-inducing elements they encounter during their professional engagements. The findings highlight that primary stress precipitators encompass subpar remuneration, an intensified sense of accountability for the interpreted content, and the lack of cooperation from private clientele. Concurrently, approximately two-thirds of the identified stressors trigger moderate stress levels. These include specialized terminology, inadequate speaker visibility, and the need for frequent travel, among other factors. The medical manifestations of this stress are prominently throat irritation, characterized by dryness and headaches, compromised concentration, somnolence, back pain, fatigue, eye irritation, and minimal rates of insomnia. The implications of this study could contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge on stress dynamics within the realms of translation and interpreting and addressing human-centered concerns within the context of court interpreting.