Translation studiesLesson 2 of 2 in the course Interpreting

Sight Translation: Process, Uses, and Professional Limits

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 4 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Sight translation turns a written message in one language into spoken or signed output in another, usually in real time. It combines features of translation and interpreting, so understanding its process, appropriate uses, and limits is important for interpreters and the people who rely on their work.

Sight translation is the rendering of a written source text in one language into spoken or signed output in another language. It is generally performed in real time so an audience can immediately understand the document. The terms sight interpreting and sight interpreting/translation are also used, often to emphasize the interpreting-like, real-time nature of the activity.

All flashcards

What is sight translation?
It is the real-time or near-real-time rendering of a written text in one language into spoken or signed output in another language.
Why is sight translation a hybrid activity?
It uses a written source, as translation does, but produces an immediate spoken or signed message for an audience, as interpreting does.
How does sight translation differ from written translation?
Sight translation is normally delivered immediately and has little opportunity for revision; its oral or signed output is ephemeral rather than a polished written document.
What makes a document more suitable for sight translation?
It is generally short and relatively straightforward. Complex, lengthy, technical, or legally significant texts are more likely to require a prepared written translation.
Name key skills developed in sight-translation training.
Rapid text analysis, terminology management, reading ahead, segmentation, reformulation, public speaking, self-monitoring, and judgment about when to redirect an unsuitable request.

Quiz questions

  1. What is sight translation?Answer: Converting written source text into spoken or signed target-language output, usually in real time.
  2. Why is sight translation described as cross-modal?Answer: The interpreter receives the source visually and delivers the target message orally or in sign language.
  3. Which pair of cognitive processes has been examined in research on sight translation?Answer: Divided attention and working memory.
  4. Why can a visible source text both support and complicate sight translation?Answer: It lets the interpreter look ahead or revisit information, but its wording and syntax may interfere with fluent target-language production.
  5. When a document contains complex content that requires professional explanation, what should an interpreter generally do?Answer: Interpret the document without giving advice, and refer questions to the appropriate professional.

Based on the Wikipedia article Sight translation, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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