Katarzyna Wisniewska
@uef.fi
School of Humanities, Philosophical Faculty, Foreign Languages and Translation Studies
University of Eastern Finland
I serve as a postdorctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland in Joensuu, North Karelia, building on my master’s and doctoral studies conducted at the same institution between 2015 and 2022.
Alongside my academic pursuits, I am an independent freelance translator, specialising in translation, localisation, and audiovisual translation. My training stems from esteemed translation and interpreting programmes at Heriot-Watt University and London Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom (2007–2013). Additionally, I hold professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) and the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI).
Driven by a passion for both academia and the practical aspects of translation, I actively seek opportunities for ongoing professional growth in these intersecting domains. Presently, I eagerly endeavour to expand the investigation of cognitive retention in translation.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy in Translation Studies, University of Finland (Joensuu), Doctoral Programme in Social and Cultural Encounters 2018–2022;
Master of Arts, University of Eastern Finland (Joensuu), MDP in Linguistic Sciences (Translation Studies and Translation Technology), 2015–2017;
Master of Arts with Distinction, London Metropolitan University (United Kingdom), Translation (English–Polish), 2012–2013;
Master (Bachelor) of Arts (Honours Degree), Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh/United Kingdom), Languages: French/German/Spanish (Interpreting and Translation), 2007–2012;
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, IBO, Geneva / 33 LO im. M. Kopernika (Warsaw) 2005–2007.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Linguistics and Language
FUTURE PROJECTS
TOWARD A COMPUTATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR COGNITIVE SEMANTIC THEORIES: Contrasting Human- and Machine-Generated Translation through a Cognitive Linguistic Lens
This project compares human translators and Large Language Models in handling cognitive aspects of translation. Over two years, through analysis and translation tasks, it aims to understand how they process information differently. The goal is to create a tool that explains these differences. Partnering with the University of Rijeka, known for computational linguistics, this research delves into AI, linguistics, and translation, potentially improving cross-language communication and AI applications in nuanced understanding.
Applications Invited
international cooperation
AN EXPERIMENTAL EXPLORATION OF COGNITIVE SEMANTICS IN TRANSLATION: Informing Translation Process Research and Machine Learning Advancements
Expanding on prior research about cognitive retention in translation, this project broadens its focus. It uses Talmy’s (2000) framework to study translation processes and compare human translators with artificial intelligence. By exploring how our brains handle meaning in language, it aims to test Talmy’s ideas through experiments, assessing translation recognition in different languages. This research seeks to confirm Talmy’s concepts in creating meaning and potentially influence how we understand human translation. Also, by comparing human and machine translations, it could shape how we integrate cognitive theories into AI models for language.
Applications Invited
international cooperation
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Peer-reviewed scientific articles:
Wiśniewska, K. (2022). “Mistranslations in the context of cognitive retention of force dynamics in In: Massey, G. and Kornacki, M. (eds). Contextuality in Translation and Interpreting. Selected papers from the Łódź-ZHAW Duo Colloquium on Translation and Meaning 2020–2021, pp. 157–178.
Non-refereed scientific articles:
Mäkisalo, J., Wiśniewska, K., and Penttilä, E. (2023). “Revitalising cognitive semantics with insights from translation studies: A method for analysing information [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Philosophical Faculty, School of Humanities, Foreign Languages and Translation Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
Publications intended for professional communities:
Wiśniewska, K. (2023). "Toward a narrower gap between translation studies and In: Kääntäjä. The Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters (SKTL). Helsinki: Suomen kääntäjien ja tulkkien liitto - Finlands översättar- och tolkförbund ry, pp. 24-25.
Theses:
Wiśniewska, K. (2022). Description of Force Dynamics and Cognitive Retention in Literary and Audiovisual Translation. [Unpublished manuscript]. PhD thesis, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
GRANT DETAILS
1 January 2020 – 31 December 2022 - 3-year personal grant awarded by Kone Foundation (€86 400; upgraded to €88 800 in 2021) for the completion of the PhD degree (Grant No: 201901474).
1 June 2023 – 31 December 2022 - doctoral researcher to postdoctoral researcher transition funding awarded by the Joensuu University Foundation in April 2023 (€24 000).
1 January 2024 – 31 December 2025 – 2-year grant awarded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation through the Finnish Foundations’ Post Doc Pool (€82 000) for postdoctoral research abroad (University of Rijeka, Croatia)
Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration
Grant-Funded Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus (10% Employment Contract: 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024); grant-funded position.
Project Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus (85% Employment Contract: 1 June 2023 – 31 December 2023); grant-funded position.
Grant-Funded Early-Stage Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus (10% Employment Contract: 1 July 2021 – 31 December 2022); grant-funded position.
Grant-Funded Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu Campus (1 January 2020 – 30 June 2021), grant-funded position.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Freelancer – Independent Translation, Transcreation, Localisation, Proofreading and Subtitling Professional (working languages: Polish, English, German, French, Spanish and Finnish) since 2013.