Sight Translation Techniques Flashcards

An interpreter asked to sight-translate a document that contains highly technical medical terminology should FIRST:

Answer: Request a brief moment to scan the document before beginning

A quick pre-scan of the document allows the interpreter to identify problematic terms and structure, improving accuracy without causing undue delay.

When sight-translating, maintaining a consistent and appropriate pace is important primarily to:

Answer: Ensure the listener can follow and that accuracy is maintained

Appropriate pacing ensures the recipient comprehends the translation and that the interpreter does not sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Which interpreting skill most directly supports proficient sight translation performance?

Answer: Strong reading comprehension in the source language

Sight translation begins with reading a written text, so robust reading comprehension in the source language is the foundational skill.

If a judge asks the interpreter to sight-translate a document that was not previously disclosed to the defense, the interpreter should:

Answer: Translate the document as requested while remaining impartial

The interpreter's role is to translate accurately and impartially; procedural or evidentiary objections are the domain of attorneys, not the interpreter.

The term 'reformulation' in sight translation refers to:

Answer: Restructuring source-language syntax into natural target-language expression

Reformulation means converting the source-language grammatical structure into idiomatic and natural target-language syntax without changing meaning.

A bilingual juror approaches an interpreter and says the sight translation of a document was incorrect. The interpreter should:

Answer: Inform the court of the juror's comment and let the court decide how to proceed

The interpreter must report the issue to the court; it is the court's responsibility—not the interpreter's unilateral action—to address potential translation disputes.

Which of the following best describes 'false cognates' as a hazard in sight translation?

Answer: Words that look or sound similar across languages but have different meanings

False cognates (e.g., Spanish 'embarazada' meaning 'pregnant,' not 'embarrassed') can cause translation errors if the interpreter defaults to the visually similar word.