1887
Volume 20, Issue 2
  • ISSN 1932-2798
  • E-ISSN: 1876-2700
USD
Buy:$35.00 + Taxes

Abstract

Existing studies have employed both cross-sectional and longitudinal research designs to investigate the impact of simultaneous interpreting (SI) practice and training experience on executive functions (EFs). However, findings have been inconsistent regarding whether interpreters exhibit superior EFs compared with non-interpreters. To explore the factors contributing to these inconsistencies, the present literature review provides an overview of the relevant empirical studies that investigate the three core sub-components of EFs: inhibiting, shifting, and updating. Based on the reviewed studies, key methodological factors are identified, including the exclusive reliance on either longitudinal or cross-sectional research designs and the variation in tasks used to assess the same EFs sub-component across studies. Given these factors, the review proposes potential methodological refinements aimed at enhancing the reliability and validity of future research in this area.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1075/tis.24100.yan
2025-09-09
2026-05-18
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adi-Japha, Esther, Jennie Berberich-Artzi, and Afaf Libnawi
    2010 “Cognitive flexibility in drawings of bilingual children.” Child Development81(5): 1356–1366. 10.1111/j.1467‑8624.2010.01477.x
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01477.x [Google Scholar]
  2. Antonova Ünlü, Elena, and Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek
    2018 “Testing the impact of formal interpreting training on working memory capacity: Evidence from Turkish–English students–interpreters.” Lingua2091: 78–88. 10.1016/j.lingua.2018.04.003
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lingua.2018.04.003 [Google Scholar]
  3. Attanak, Attapol, Sirikran Juntapremjit, and Arnon Chaisuriya
    2019 “The impact on working memory of the 4-D multiple resource model as embedded in interpretation training.” Journal of Community Development Research (Humanities and Social Sciences)12(4): 125–135.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Babcock, Laura, Mariagrazia Capizzi, Sandra Arbula, and Antonino Vallesi
    2017 “Short-term memory improvement after simultaneous interpretation training.” Journal of Cognitive Enhancement11: 254–267. 10.1007/s41465‑017‑0011‑x
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s41465-017-0011-x [Google Scholar]
  5. Babcock, Laura, and Antonino Vallesi
    2017 “Are simultaneous interpreters expert bilinguals, unique bilinguals, or both?” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition20(2): 403–417. 10.1017/S1366728915000735
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728915000735 [Google Scholar]
  6. Babcock, Laura
    2025 “Interpreting, bilingualism, and language control.” InChristopher D. Mellinger (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Interpreting and Cognition, 87–100. New York: Routledge. 10.4324/9780429297533‑8
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429297533-8 [Google Scholar]
  7. Baddeley, Alan
    1996 “Exploring the central executive.” The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A49(1): 5–28. 10.1080/713755608
    https://doi.org/10.1080/713755608 [Google Scholar]
  8. Bruce, Vicki
    2016Unsolved Mysteries of the Mind: Tutorial Essays in Cognition. New York: Routledge.
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Calamia, Matthew, Kristian Markon, and Daniel Tranel
    2012 “Scoring higher the second time around: Meta-analyses of practice effects in neuropsychological assessment.” The Clinical Neuropsychologist26(4): 543–570. 10.1080/13854046.2012.680913
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2012.680913 [Google Scholar]
  10. Chmiel, Agnieszka
    2018 “In search of the working memory advantage in conference interpreting–Training, experience and task effects.” International Journal of Bilingualism22(3): 371–384. 10.1177/1367006916681082
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006916681082 [Google Scholar]
  11. Christoffels, Ingrid K., Annette M. B. De Groot, and Judith F. Kroll
    2006 “Memory and language skills in simultaneous interpreters: The role of expertise and language proficiency.” Journal of Memory and Language54(3): 324–345. 10.1016/j.jml.2005.12.004
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2005.12.004 [Google Scholar]
  12. Christoffels, Ingrid K., and Annette M. B. De Groot
    2005 “Simultaneous interpreting: A cognitive perspective.” InJudith F. Kroll and Annette M. B. De Groot (Eds.), Handbook of Bilingualism: Psycholinguistic Approaches, 454–479. New York: Oxford University Press. 10.1093/oso/9780195151770.003.0026
    https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780195151770.003.0026 [Google Scholar]
  13. Diamond, Adele
    2013 “Executive functions.” Annual Review of Psychology64(1): 135–168. 10.1146/annurev‑psych‑113011‑143750
    https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750 [Google Scholar]
  14. Dong, Yanping
    2023 “The unique bilingual profile of translators and interpreters.” InAline Ferreira and John W. Schwieter (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Translation, Interpreting and Bilingualism, 11–27. New York: Routledge. 10.4324/9781003109020‑4
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003109020-4 [Google Scholar]
  15. Dong, Yanping, and Yuhua Liu
    2016 “Classes in translating and interpreting produce differential gains in switching and updating.” Frontiers in Psychology71: 1297. 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01297
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01297 [Google Scholar]
  16. Dong, Yanping, and Zhilong Xie
    2014 “Contributions of second language proficiency and interpreting experience to cognitive control differences among young adult bilinguals.” Journal of Cognitive Psychology26(5): 506–519. 10.1080/20445911.2014.924951
    https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2014.924951 [Google Scholar]
  17. Dong, Yanping, Yuhua Liu, and Rendong Cai
    2018 “How does consecutive interpreting training influence working memory: A longitudinal study of potential links between the two.” Frontiers in Psychology91: 875. 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00875
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00875 [Google Scholar]
  18. Eriksen, Barbara A., and Charles W. Eriksen
    1974 “Effects of noise letters upon the identification of a target letter in a nonsearch task.” Perception & Psychophysics16(1): 143–149. 10.3758/BF03203267
    https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203267 [Google Scholar]
  19. Fan, Jin, Bruce D. McCandliss, Tobias Sommer, Amir Raz, and Michael I. Posner
    2002 “Testing the efficiency and independence of attentional networks.” Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience14(3): 340–347. 10.1162/089892902317361886
    https://doi.org/10.1162/089892902317361886 [Google Scholar]
  20. Friedman, Naomi P., and Akira Miyake
    2004 “The relations among inhibition and interference control functions: a latent-variable analysis.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General133(1): 101. 10.1037/0096‑3445.133.1.101
    https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.133.1.101 [Google Scholar]
  21. 2017 “Unity and diversity of executive functions: Individual differences as a window on cognitive structure.” Cortex861: 186–204. 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.04.023
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2016.04.023 [Google Scholar]
  22. García, Adolfo M.
    2014 “The interpreter advantage hypothesis: Preliminary data patterns and empirically motivated questions.” Translation and Interpreting Studies9(2): 219–238. 10.1075/tis.9.2.04gar
    https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.9.2.04gar [Google Scholar]
  23. García, Adolfo M., and Boris Kogan
    2023 “Interlingual reformulation as a window into the bilingual brain.” InAline Ferreira and John W. Schwieter (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Translation, Interpreting and Bilingualism, 79–96. New York: Routledge. 10.4324/9781003109020‑9
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003109020-9 [Google Scholar]
  24. García, Adolfo M., Edinson Muñoz, and Boris Kogan
    2020 “Taxing the bilingual mind: Effects of simultaneous interpreting experience on verbal and executive mechanisms.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition23(4): 729–739. 10.1017/S1366728919000063
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728919000063 [Google Scholar]
  25. Ghiselli, Serena
    2022 “Working memory tasks in interpreting studies: A meta-analysis.” Translation, Cognition and Behavior5(1): 50–83. 10.1075/tcb.00063.ghi
    https://doi.org/10.1075/tcb.00063.ghi [Google Scholar]
  26. Ghiselli, Serena, Russo Mariachiara, and Tomasetto Carlo
    2024 “The effects of interpreting training on executive functions: A longitudinal study.” Meta69(2): 380–407. 10.7202/1118383ar
    https://doi.org/10.7202/1118383ar [Google Scholar]
  27. Gile, Daniel
    2009Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. 10.1075/btl.8
    https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.8 [Google Scholar]
  28. Grant, David A., and Esta A. Berg
    1993 “Wisconsin card sorting test.” Journal of Experimental Psychology38(4): 404–411. 10.1037/h0059831
    https://doi.org/10.1037/h0059831 [Google Scholar]
  29. Green, David W., and Jubin Abutalebi
    2013 “Language control in bilinguals: The adaptive control hypothesis.” Journal of Cognitive Psychology25(5): 515–530. 10.1080/20445911.2013.796377
    https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2013.796377 [Google Scholar]
  30. Guitton, D., Henry A. Buchtel, and R. M. Douglas
    1985 “Frontal lobe lesions in man cause difficulties in suppressing reflexive glances and in generating goal-directed saccades.” Experimental Brain Research581: 455–472. 10.1007/BF00235863
    https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00235863 [Google Scholar]
  31. Henrard, Sébastien, and Agnès Van Daele
    2017 “Different bilingual experiences might modulate executive tasks advantages: Comparative analysis between monolinguals, translators, and interpreters.” Frontiers in Psychology81: 1870. 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01870
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01870 [Google Scholar]
  32. Hervais-Aldeman, Alexis, and Laura Babcock
    2020 “The neurobiology of simultaneous interpreting: Where extreme language control and cognitive control intersect.” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition23(4): 740–751. 10.1017/S1366728919000324
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728919000324 [Google Scholar]
  33. Hu, Minxia, and Wenjiao Fan
    2021 “The interpreter advantage in executive functions — A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Forum for Linguistic Studies3(1): 131–161. 10.18063/fls.v3i1.1251
    https://doi.org/10.18063/fls.v3i1.1251 [Google Scholar]
  34. Kállay, Éva, and Laura Visu-Petra
    2014 “Indicators of cognitive and emotional functioning in first-year master students in conference interpreting: A focus on individual differences.” Cognitie, Creier, Comportament/ Cognition, Brain, Behavior18(3): 209–228.
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Karr, Justin E., et al
    2018 “The unity and diversity of executive functions: A systematic review and re-analysis of latent variable studies.” Psychological Bulletin144(11): 1147. 10.1037/bul0000160
    https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000160 [Google Scholar]
  36. Kiesel, Andrea, et al
    2010 “Control and interference in task switching — A review.” Psychological Bulletin136(5): 849–874. 10.1037/a0019842
    https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019842 [Google Scholar]
  37. Köpke, Barbara, and Jean-Luc Nespoulous
    2006 “Working memory performance in expert and novice interpreters.” Interpreting8(1): 1–23. 10.1075/intp.8.1.02kop
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.8.1.02kop [Google Scholar]
  38. Korpal, Paweł and Christopher D. Mellinger
    2025 “Interpreting and individual differences.” InChristopher D. Mellinger (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Interpreting and Cognition, 357–372. New York: Routledge. 10.4324/9780429297533‑26
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429297533-26 [Google Scholar]
  39. Lee, Migyong
    2011 “Working memory performance of expert and novice interpreters.” Journal of Universal Language12(1): 95–110. 10.22425/jul.2011.12.1.95
    https://doi.org/10.22425/jul.2011.12.1.95 [Google Scholar]
  40. Lu, Chen-Hui, and Robert W. Proctor
    1995 “The influence of irrelevant location information on performance: A review of the Simon and spatial Stroop effects.” Psychonomic Bulletin & Review21: 174–207. 10.3758/BF03210959
    https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03210959 [Google Scholar]
  41. MacLeod, Colin M.
    1991 “Half a century of research on the Stroop effect: An integrative review.” Psychological Bulletin109(2): 163–203. 10.1037/0033‑2909.109.2.163
    https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.109.2.163 [Google Scholar]
  42. Macnamara, Brooke N., and Andrew R. A. Conway
    2014 “Novel evidence in support of the bilingual advantage: Influences of task demands and experience on cognitive control and working memory.” Psychonomic Bulletin & Review211: 520–525. 10.3758/s13423‑013‑0524‑y
    https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-013-0524-y [Google Scholar]
  43. 2016 “Working memory capacity as a predictor of simultaneous language interpreting performance.” Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition5(4): 434–444. 10.1016/j.jarmac.2015.12.001
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2015.12.001 [Google Scholar]
  44. Macnamara, Brooke N., Adam B. Moore, Judy A. Kegl, and Andrew R. A. Conway
    2011 “Domain-general cognitive abilities and simultaneous interpreting skill.” Interpreting13(1): 121–142. 10.1075/intp.13.1.08mac
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.13.1.08mac [Google Scholar]
  45. Mellinger, Christopher D., and Hanson, Thomas A.
    2019 “Meta-analyses of simultaneous interpreting and working memory.” Interpreting21(2): 165–195. 10.1075/intp.00026.mel
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00026.mel [Google Scholar]
  46. Miyake, Akira, Michael J. Emerson, Francisca Padilla, and Jeung-chan Ahn
    2004 “Inner speech as a retrieval aid for task goals: The effects of cue type and articulatory suppression in the random task cuing paradigm.” Acta Psychologica115(2–3): 123–142. 10.1016/j.actpsy.2003.12.004
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2003.12.004 [Google Scholar]
  47. Miyake, Akira, Naomi P. Friedman, Michael J. Emerson, Alexander H. Witzki, Amy Howerter, and Tor D. Wager
    2000 “The unity and diversity of executive functions and their contributions to complex “frontal lobe” tasks: A latent variable analysis.” Cognitive Psychology41(1): 49–100. 10.1006/cogp.1999.0734
    https://doi.org/10.1006/cogp.1999.0734 [Google Scholar]
  48. Monsell, Stephen
    2003 “Task switching.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences7(3): 134–140. 10.1016/S1364‑6613(03)00028‑7
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S1364-6613(03)00028-7 [Google Scholar]
  49. Morales, Julia,
    2015 “Simultaneous interpretation selectively influences working memory and attentional networks.” Acta Psychologica1551: 82–91. 10.1016/j.actpsy.2014.12.004
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2014.12.004 [Google Scholar]
  50. Morris, Neil, and Dylan M. Jones
    1990 “Memory updating in working memory: The role of the central executive.” British Journal of Psychology81(2): 111–121. 10.1111/j.2044‑8295.1990.tb02349.x
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1990.tb02349.x [Google Scholar]
  51. Nigg, Joel T.
    2000 “On inhibition/disinhibition in developmental psychopathology: Views from cognitive and personality psychology and a working inhibition taxonomy.” Psychological Bulletin126(2): 220. 10.1037/0033‑2909.126.2.220
    https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.126.2.220 [Google Scholar]
  52. Nour, Soudabeh, Esli Struys, Evy Woumans, Ily Hollebeke, and Hélène Stengers
    2020 “An interpreter advantage in executive functions? A systematic review.” Interpreting22(2): 163–186. 10.1075/intp.00045.nou
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00045.nou [Google Scholar]
  53. Paap, Kenneth
    2022The bilingual advantage in executive functioning hypothesis: How the debate provides insight into psychology’s replication crisis. New York: Routledge. 10.4324/9781003308027
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003308027 [Google Scholar]
  54. Paap, Kenneth R., Hunter A. Johnson, and Oliver Sawi
    2014 “Are bilingual advantages dependent upon specific tasks or specific bilingual experiences?” Journal of Cognitive Psychology26(6): 615–639. 10.1080/20445911.2014.944914
    https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2014.944914 [Google Scholar]
  55. Pashler, Harold
    2000 “Task switching and multitask performance.” InStephen Monsell and Jon Driver (Eds.), Control of Cognitive Processes: Attention and performanceXVIII1, 275–423. Cambridge: The MIT Press.
    [Google Scholar]
  56. Rogers, Robert D., and Stephen Monsell
    1995 “Costs of a predictable switch between simple cognitive tasks.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General124(2): 207–231. 10.1037/0096‑3445.124.2.207
    https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.124.2.207 [Google Scholar]
  57. Rosiers, Alexandra, June Eyckmans, and Daniel Bauwens
    2011 “A story of attitudes and aptitudes? Investigating individual difference variables within the context of interpreting.” Interpreting13(1): 53–69. 10.1075/intp.13.1.04ros
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.13.1.04ros [Google Scholar]
  58. Rosiers, Alexandra, Evy Woumans, Wouter Duyck, and June Eyckmans
    2019 “Investigating the presumed cognitive advantage of aspiring interpreters.” Interpreting21(1): 115–134. 10.1075/intp.00022.ros
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00022.ros [Google Scholar]
  59. Schaefer, Sydney Y., and Kevin Duff
    2017 “Within-session and one-week practice effects on a motor task in amnestic mild cognitive impairment.” Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology39(5): 473–484. 10.1080/13803395.2016.1236905
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2016.1236905 [Google Scholar]
  60. Simon, J. Richard, and James D. Wolf
    1963 “Choice reaction time as a function of angular stimulus-response correspondence and age.” Ergonomics6(1): 99–105. 10.1080/00140136308930679
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00140136308930679 [Google Scholar]
  61. Stavrakaki, Stavroula, Kalliopi Megari, Mary H. Kosmidis, Maria Apostolidou, and Eleni Takou
    2012 “Working memory and verbal fluency in simultaneous interpreters.” Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology34(6): 624–633. 10.1080/13803395.2012.667068
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2012.667068 [Google Scholar]
  62. Stroop, J. Ridley
    1935 “Studies of interference in serial verbal reactions.” Journal of Experimental Psychology18(6): 643. 10.1037/h0054651
    https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054651 [Google Scholar]
  63. Timarová, Sárka, and Heidi Salaets
    2011 “Learning styles, motivation and cognitive flexibility in interpreter training: Self-selection and aptitude.” Interpreting13(1): 31–52. 10.1075/intp.13.1.03tim
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.13.1.03tim [Google Scholar]
  64. Timarová, Šárka, Ivana Čeňková, Reine Meylaerts, Erik Hertog, Arnaud Szmalec, and Wouter Duyck
    2014 “Simultaneous interpreting and working memory executive control.” Interpreting16(2): 139–168. 10.1075/intp.16.2.01tim
    https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.16.2.01tim [Google Scholar]
  65. Tiselius, Elisabet, and Birgitta Englund Dimitrova
    2023 “Testing the working memory capacity of dialogue interpreters.” Across Languages and Cultures24(2): 163–180. 10.1556/084.2023.00439
    https://doi.org/10.1556/084.2023.00439 [Google Scholar]
  66. Tzou, Yeh-Zu, Zohreh R. Eslami, Hsin-Chin Chen, and Jyotsna Vaid
    2012 “Effect of language proficiency and degree of formal training in simultaneous interpreting on working memory and interpreting performance: Evidence from Mandarin–English speakers.” International Journal of Bilingualism16(2): 213–227. 10.1177/1367006911403197
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006911403197 [Google Scholar]
  67. Van de Putte, Eowyn, Wouter De Baene, Lorna García-Pentón, Evy Woumans, Aster Dijkgraaf, and Wouter Duyck
    2018 “Anatomical and functional changes in the brain after simultaneous interpreting training: A longitudinal study.” Cortex991: 243–257. 10.1016/j.cortex.2017.11.024
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2017.11.024 [Google Scholar]
  68. Van der Linden, Lize, Eowyn Van de Putte, Evy Woumans, Wouter Duyck, and Arnaud Szmalec
    2018 “Does extreme language control training improve cognitive control? A comparison of professional interpreters, L2 teachers and monolinguals.” Frontiers in Psychology91: 1998. 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01998
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01998 [Google Scholar]
  69. Wen, Hao, and Dong Yanping
    2019 “How does interpreting experience enhance working memory and short-term memory: A meta-analysis.” Journal of Cognitive Psychology31(8): 769–784. 10.1080/20445911.2019.1674857
    https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2019.1674857 [Google Scholar]
  70. Woumans, Evy, Evy Ceuleers, Lize Van der Linden, Arnaud Szmalec, and Wouter Duyck
    2015 “Verbal and nonverbal cognitive control in bilinguals and interpreters.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition41(5): 1579–1586. 10.1037/xlm0000107
    https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0000107 [Google Scholar]
  71. Yudes, Carolina, Pedro Macizo, and Teresa Bajo
    2011 “The influence of expertise in simultaneous interpreting on non-verbal executive processes.” Frontiers in Psychology21: 309. 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00309
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00309 [Google Scholar]
  72. Zhao, Hongming, Xiaocong Chen, and Yanping Dong
    2024 “Young interpreting trainees’ better adaptation to the flanker conflicting environment: An ERP study.” Journal of Neurolinguistics701: 101181. 10.1016/j.jneuroling.2023.101181
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroling.2023.101181 [Google Scholar]
  73. Zhao, Hongming, and Yanping Dong
    2020 “The early presence and developmental trend of interpreter advantages in cognitive flexibility: Effects from task differences and L2 proficiency.” Translation, Cognition & Behavior3(2): 241–262. 10.1075/tcb.00043.zha
    https://doi.org/10.1075/tcb.00043.zha [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1075/tis.24100.yan
Loading
/content/journals/10.1075/tis.24100.yan
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was successful
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error