BoothMate: Integrating a Terminology Management Application in Interpreter Training

Terminology preparation is a crucial component within interpreter training, particularly in specialised contexts where cognitive load and time constraints are significant. This study analyses the pedagogical integration of BoothMate, a digital terminology management application, in interpreting practice. The aim of the study is to learn if the tool can enhance students’ terminological competence and preparation strategies. The research focuses on the implementation of the platform within a higher education setting, where it was used as part of structured simulated curricular activities designed to emulate professional interpreting scenarios. The study adopts a mainly quantitative, practice-based approach. Students were required to elaborate, organise, and use thematic glossaries as part of their preparation for interpreting tasks. Data was collected through a survey related to these classroom practices, in which students were asked to provide feedback on the tool’s applicability. The methodology focused on guided terminology research, collaborative glossary building, and the use of prepared terminology during simultaneous interpreting tasks in a mock conference scenario. The results seem to indicate that the use of a dedicated terminology management tool helps students to better prepare interpreting tasks in a more systematic way, improves conceptual understanding of specialised domains, and enhances their ability to retrieve relevant terms under time constraints. The study concludes that integrating a digital terminology management tool into interpreter training can significantly contribute to the development of professional skills, provided that their use is embedded within a structured and reflective pedagogical framework. These findings have implications for curriculum design and for the incorporation of technology into interpreter training.