CPI Sight Translation Techniques and Practice

Question 1

What is sight translation in the context of interpreting?

Accepted Answer

Translating a written document orally in real time

Answer

Sight translation is the process of rendering a written source-language document into a spoken target language in real time.

Question 2

In which of the following settings is sight translation most commonly requested of a CPI?

Accepted Answer

Legal, medical, and social service appointments

Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the 'eye-voice span' and why does it matter in sight translation?

Accepted Answer

The gap between where the eye reads on the page and where the voice is in the spoken rendition

Answer

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.

Question 4

How does sight translation differ from consecutive interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Sight translation involves rendering a written text orally; consecutive renders spoken speech after a pause

Answer

Sight translation works from a written source document, while consecutive interpretation works from a spoken source rendered after the speaker pauses.

Question 5

Which technique helps an interpreter manage complex sentence structures during sight translation?

Accepted Answer

Chunking — breaking the text into meaningful units before vocalizing

Answer

Chunking involves segmenting text into grammatically and semantically coherent units, which helps the interpreter maintain accuracy and natural delivery.

CPI - Certified Provisional Interpreter Practice Test

CPI - Certified Provisional Interpreter Practice Test

CPI Sight Translation Techniques and Practice