Interpretation is a demanding cognitive process, or rather, a convergence of numerous cognitive processes transpiring concurrently. When interpreting, many interpreters employ mental imagery as a tool, whether by deliberate choice or spontaneously. Qualitative exploration into mental imagery traces back to Galton, whose survey in 1880 was the first to document differences in the ability to form mental images and documenting the phenomenon of aphantasia. The aim of this research was to explore how an individual's capacity for visualization influences their cognitive load during interpretation and, potentially, the quality of their output. Initially, I conducted a thorough literature review on the subject of visualization and its associated neural processes. Subsequently, I carried out a practical experiment involving interpreters tasked with interpreting two graphic and two abstract speeches. Their output was recorded, transcribed, and complemented by the completion of several questionnaires as an integral part of the experiment. The first questionnaire focused on a self-assessment of one's ability to visualize, while the second and third questionnaires delved into the interpreters' reported experiences during the interpretation process. In the analytical phase, I examined both the questionnaires and transcriptions of interpretations, drawing conclusions based on their correlations. The experiment partially supported my hypothesis that individuals with a heightened ability for visualization would excel in interpreting graphic speeches, and conversely. It showed that the key for high-quality and accurate interpretation is the management of one's mental imagery. It is thus not enough to have an innately strong ability to visualize; but rather – if it is to be used effectively as a tool in interpretation – this ability should be trained and developed. This points at the potential of developing visualization trainings for upcoming interpreters, tailored to their individual capacity to visualize. In the final discussion I gave a few suggestions on how such research could be improved and upgraded.
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