1 Introduction

Eye tracking technology infers cognitive processes based on eye movement data and is widely used in multiple fields. It began to be applied in translation research in the early 1980s. McDonald and Carpenter's research is the pioneering study in the field of visual translation that first utilized eye tracking technology. The theoretical basis of eye tracking technology originates from the "Eye Brain Consistency Hypothesis" and "Instant Processing Hypothesis" proposed by Jaster and Carpenter. Since the 21st century, with the development of technology, eye tracking technology has been widely used in translation process research, and the research of the Danish EYE to IT project team has played an important role in promoting this. The research on eye tracking technology in China started relatively late, but has developed rapidly. Deng Zhihui's paper published in 2012 was the earliest research on translation and eye tracking technology in China. This article systematically analyzes the relevant literature in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, summarizes the main content, characteristics, and shortcomings of domestic research, and proposes suggestions for future research directions.

2. Overall research situation

This chapter comprehensively understands the current research status of translation processes based on eye tracking technology in China from 2012 to 2022 through systematic retrieval and analysis of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. A total of 93 relevant papers were retrieved, and after screening, 62 papers (39 journal articles and 23 master's and doctoral theses) were determined to be related to the research topic. The annual publication trend shows that the number of papers has been increasing year by year before 2019, reaching its peak in 2019 and then decreasing slightly thereafter. The paper involves 32 domestic universities, with Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and International Trade and Beijing Foreign Studies University having the highest number of publications. The three major foreign language universities in China are at the forefront of eye tracking technology applications, with 56.5% of them publishing master's and doctoral theses.

3 Research Results and Discoveries

The research on translation processes based on eye tracking technology in China can be divided into two categories: review papers and empirical papers. There are 14 review papers and 48 empirical papers, indicating the continuous deepening and maturity of research in this field. Since Deng Zhihui's first paper was published in 2012, review studies have covered the application of eye tracking technology, data collection and analysis, visual translation research, audio-visual multimodal research, and cognitive load research. Empirical research began in 2015, using eye tracking and Translog II keyboard recording methods. The research methods are diverse, including verbal thinking and questionnaire survey methods. Data analysis is commonly conducted using R language and statistical software such as SPSS. The subjects are mainly undergraduate students and translation master's students, and the selection of eye movement indicators depends on the experimental purpose and process. Empirical research covers a wide range of topics, including translator's translation style, translation stages and strategies, translation methods, translation directions, cognitive load, metaphor translation, translation review, and teaching research.

4 Characteristics of Eye Movement Research in Domestic Translation Process

The research on eye movement in domestic translation processes has shown concentration in the past decade, with the core author group and research institutions mainly concentrated in foreign language universities. The research is still in its early stages, and the number of papers is limited. There are many references to foreign experimental designs, and there are shortcomings in empirical research. The research hotspots focus on cognitive load and metaphorical translation, reflecting attention to the core cognitive mechanisms of translation, but caution should also be exercised against the perspective limitations caused by excessive focus.

Shortcomings in Eye Movement Research during the Translation Process in China

There are shortcomings in the research on the translation process based on eye tracking technology in China, including terminology instability, limited research scope, and technical application barriers. The instability of terminology is reflected in the diverse translation methods of key terms, leading to differences in understanding and misinterpretation of research results. The research scope is limited to the translation process, neglecting the quality of the translation, resulting in one-sided research results. The main obstacles to the application of technology are scholars' unfamiliarity with the use of eye tracking devices and insufficient data processing abilities. To overcome these issues, it is recommended to standardize terminology, expand research scope, and strengthen training in information technology and data analysis.

6 Development Trends of Eye Movement Research in Domestic Translation Process

The research on translation process based on eye tracking technology in China is developing towards diversification and deepening. Future trends include: 1) cross validation of multiple research methods to enhance the effectiveness and scientificity of research; 2) Interdisciplinary development and integration, especially in data statistical analysis and programming, require close collaboration between linguistic experts and experts in mathematics and computer science; 3) Include the translation in the scope of research to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of translation strategies; 4) The experimental scenario will be closer to the real work environment, improving the ecological validity of the experiment, including reducing restrictions on the subjects, creating a more natural experimental atmosphere, using more advanced equipment, and increasing the proportion of professional interpreters among the subjects.

7 Conclusion

This chapter summarizes the development history, current status, characteristics, shortcomings, and future trends of translation process research based on eye tracking technology in China. In the past decade, significant progress has been made in this field of research in China, with an increase in the quantity and quality of empirical research and a wealth of research content. However, there are issues such as unstable terminology, narrow research scope, and technical application barriers. In the future, it is necessary to improve research methods, expand research scope, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, focus on localization and applicability, in order to promote the development of translation theory and practice, and advance the discipline of translation in China.