CTC CTC Sight Translation Skills

Question 1

What is sight translation in a court setting?

Accepted Answer

Reading a written document aloud in another language in real time

Answer

Translating a document in advance and reading the result

Answer

Summarizing a document verbally for the judge

Answer

Providing a written translation of spoken testimony

Question 2

Which document type is most commonly subject to sight translation in U.S. courts?

Accepted Answer

Defendant's written waiver of rights

Answer

Appellate court briefs

Answer

Judge's written opinion

Answer

Jury selection questionnaires

Question 3

During sight translation a court interpreter encounters an untranslatable legal acronym. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Retain the acronym and briefly explain its meaning

Answer

Omit it entirely to maintain fluency

Answer

Substitute a similar term from the target language

Answer

Stop and ask the judge for clarification

Question 4

How should a court interpreter handle legal jargon during sight translation when an equivalent does not exist in the target language?

Accepted Answer

Use a descriptive phrase that captures the legal meaning

Answer

Leave a pause and move on

Answer

Use an informal word the party will recognize

Answer

Ask counsel to rephrase the document

Question 5

A sight translation must be completed under time pressure. What should the interpreter do if accuracy may be compromised?

Accepted Answer

Request a brief pause to scan the document before beginning

Answer

Proceed at full speed and correct errors later

Answer

Ask counsel to provide a written translation instead

Answer

Decline the assignment

Question 6

Which skill is most critical for effective sight translation?

Accepted Answer

Rapid reading comprehension in the source language

Answer

Extensive knowledge of grammar rules

Answer

Memorization of legal dictionaries

Answer

Typing speed for real-time transcription