Translation assessment: is there anything to be tested objectively? = Оцінювання перекладу: чи існує можливість об'єктивного тестування?

Abstract

Due to the complex and integrative nature of translation competence construct, its free of subjectivity assessment is considered quite a challenging task for modern translation pedagogy. The conducted literature review revealed diverse directions and opportunities to raise translation competence assessment objectivity. In this key, there is a need for the further studies focused on the designing and implementing of objective translation tests. Thus, the given paper aims at the development and verification of objective multiple-choice computerised test in Translation for the Financial Sector, which combines key-based grading procedures and involves latent translation phase encouraging students to translate with the use of particular translation transformations engaging proper psychophysiological mechanisms in order to respond the item adequately. This study has a mixed research design and involves the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the developed test performance and comments on it, as well as word dictation, translation declarative knowledge test and subjective translation exam test results of 82 third-year students of Poltava University of Economics and Trade received during 2017–2020 academic years. The findings of this study reported on steady correlation of the results of the developed objective translation test with the subjective exam ones (0.992). This fact gives reason to recommend its application as a supplementary translation competence assessment tool contributing to the assessment objectivity. Further investigation should be directed to the determination of the functions and place of the developed objective test in the integrated system of translation competence assessment.