Lexical and syntactic target language interactions in translation

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible interaction between syntactic and lexical properties of the target language (TL) in consecutive translation. To this end, participants read sentences in the source language (SL) to translate them into the TL (reading for translation) or to repeat them in the same language (reading for repetition). The cognate status of words at the beginning and at the end of sentences and the congruency in the syntactic structure of sentences in the SL and TL were manipulated. The results showed coactivation of the syntactic and lexical properties of the TL in the middle and final regions of the sentence. In addition, in the reading for translation, an interaction was observed between the cognate status and the syntactic congruency at the end of the sentence. The pattern of results suggests that the time course of syntactic and lexical activation in translation is interactive. •We evaluated interactions of syntactic and lexical information in translation.•Reading for translation vs. reading for repetition was compared.•Lexical and syntactic properties of the target language were manipulated.•Lexical and syntactic coactivation was found in middle/final regions of sentences.•Lexical/syntactic interaction was present at the end of the sentence reading.