Two separate but related issues are addressed: how simultaneous interpretation (SI) works on a cognitive level and how such translation can be objectively assessed. Both of these issues are discussed in the light of a qualitative and quantitative analysis of a large corpus of SI and shadowing. The knowledge gained from the analysis is used to characterize the cognitive processes concomitant with SI. Discourse-based knowledge is also used to develop three computer systems for the assessment of SI: (i) content-based semi-automated; (ii) time structure-based; and (iii) coherence-based. For...