CTC CTC Sight Translation Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary difference between sight translation and consecutive interpreting?
- Sight translation renders written text; consecutive interpreting renders spoken speech after pauses (Correct answer)
- Sight translation is always simultaneous; consecutive is written
- Sight translation requires equipment; consecutive does not
- There is no meaningful difference between the two modes
Correct answer: Sight translation renders written text; consecutive interpreting renders spoken speech after pauses
Sight translation converts written documents to oral output, while consecutive interpreting converts spoken utterances into the target language after the speaker pauses.
Question 2: Which note-taking technique is recommended for consecutive court interpreting?
- Using symbols and abbreviations to capture meaning units (Correct answer)
- Writing verbatim transcripts of every word
- Recording audio on a personal device
- Using full sentences in the target language
Correct answer: Using symbols and abbreviations to capture meaning units
Symbol- and abbreviation-based notes allow interpreters to capture ideas quickly without attempting word-for-word transcription, supporting accurate reconstruction.
Question 3: During consecutive interpreting, a witness gives an unusually long answer. What should the interpreter do?
- Politely request the witness to pause so interpretation can occur (Correct answer)
- Wait until the witness finishes and attempt to recall everything
- Interrupt the attorney and ask for a summary
- Switch to simultaneous mode without notice
Correct answer: Politely request the witness to pause so interpretation can occur
Requesting a pause is the standard protocol; it keeps the record intact and prevents loss of detail in long utterances.
Question 4: What is the maximum recommended segment length for consecutive interpreting without notes?
- Approximately 3–5 sentences or a single idea (Correct answer)
- Up to 10 minutes of continuous speech
- One full paragraph of any length
- No limit if the interpreter has strong memory
Correct answer: Approximately 3–5 sentences or a single idea
Research and professional guidelines suggest that working memory degrades beyond 3–5 sentences, making shorter segments essential for accuracy.
Question 5: An interpreter realizes mid-sentence that an earlier consecutive interpretation was incorrect. What is the proper action?
- Immediately notify the court and provide a correction (Correct answer)
- Continue and correct only if asked
- Make a mental note and correct in a later answer
- Do not correct to avoid disrupting proceedings
Correct answer: Immediately notify the court and provide a correction
Self-correction with immediate notification is required to protect record integrity; the court reporter must capture accurate testimony.
Question 6: When is sight translation preferred over consecutive interpreting in court?
- When a party must review and respond to a written document on the record (Correct answer)
- When testimony is lengthy and complex
- When real-time accuracy is less important
- When no written materials are involved
Correct answer: When a party must review and respond to a written document on the record
Sight translation is the appropriate mode when a written document—such as a plea form or rights advisement—must be rendered orally for a party in real time.
CTC CTC Sight Translation Skills 2
What is the primary difference between sight translation and consecutive interpreting?