Sight Translation Techniques and Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Sight Translation Techniques and Practice flashcards as text
What is sight translation in the context of interpreting?
Answer: Translating a written document orally in real time
Sight translation is the process of rendering a written source-language document into a spoken target language in real time.
In which of the following settings is sight translation most commonly requested of a CPI?
Answer: Legal, medical, and social service appointments
CPI candidates most frequently encounter sight translation requests in legal, medical, and social service contexts where written documents must be quickly conveyed to limited-English-proficient individuals.
What is the 'eye-voice span' and why does it matter in sight translation?
Answer: The gap between where the eye reads on the page and where the voice is in the spoken rendition
The eye-voice span is the ahead-reading distance that allows the interpreter to process upcoming text before vocalizing it, which improves fluency and accuracy.
How does sight translation differ from consecutive interpretation?
Answer: Sight translation involves rendering a written text orally; consecutive renders spoken speech after a pause
Sight translation works from a written source document, while consecutive interpretation works from a spoken source rendered after the speaker pauses.
Which technique helps an interpreter manage complex sentence structures during sight translation?
Answer: Chunking — breaking the text into meaningful units before vocalizing
Chunking involves segmenting text into grammatically and semantically coherent units, which helps the interpreter maintain accuracy and natural delivery.
What should a CPI do before beginning a sight translation of a lengthy legal document?
Answer: Ask permission to briefly scan the document to identify its structure and key terminology
Requesting a brief review period allows the interpreter to anticipate specialized vocabulary and structural complexity, improving accuracy and fluency.
When an interpreter encounters an unfamiliar term during sight translation, what is the best course of action?
Answer: Pause, render the original term, and note that clarification may be needed
Transparency is an ethical obligation; vocalizing the original term and flagging it preserves accuracy and informs all parties of the limitation.