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Sight Translation II

Sight translation involves orally translating written text on sight. It is as difficult as simultaneous interpretation and requires reading comprehension, processing thoughts in the source language and generating the target language version, and smooth delivery with clear enunciation and proper pacing. Paraphrasing exercises can help develop the mental agility needed for sight translation by forcing the interpreter to read ahead, focus on meaning over words, and build vocabulary. Elements of effective sight translation include conserving register, understanding written language conventions, and using punctuation to serve intonation functions.

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Denis Morales
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187 views9 pages

Sight Translation II

Sight translation involves orally translating written text on sight. It is as difficult as simultaneous interpretation and requires reading comprehension, processing thoughts in the source language and generating the target language version, and smooth delivery with clear enunciation and proper pacing. Paraphrasing exercises can help develop the mental agility needed for sight translation by forcing the interpreter to read ahead, focus on meaning over words, and build vocabulary. Elements of effective sight translation include conserving register, understanding written language conventions, and using punctuation to serve intonation functions.

Uploaded by

Denis Morales
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Sight

Translation
Get ready!
blue
white

purple yellow

green brown
black
What is sight translation?

Oral translation of a written text. Sight translation is just as difficult as simultaneous interpretation
and involves some of the same mental processes. The input is visual (written word) rather than
oral (spoken word), but the interpreter still has to process a thought in the source language and
generate the target language version of that thought while simultaneously processing the next
source language thought and so on. Because the message is written in black and white, some
interpreters may have more trouble focusing on meaning rather than words. Reading
comprehension is an important element of sight translation, so interpreters should read as
much and as widely as possible.
Another aspect of sight translation that should be emphasized is delivery.
It is very important that the interpreter speaks loudly and enunciates
clearly, with proper intonation and voice modulation. Smooth pacing is
also essential; sudden starts and stops and long pauses while the
interpreter figures out a difficult translation problem are distracting to the
listener. Ideally, a sight translation should sound as if the interpreter were
merely reading a document written in the target language.
Paraphrasing is a helpful exercise that develops the mental agility you need for sight
translation. It forces you to read ahead and solve problems quickly; it also helps you focus on
meaning rather than words, thus avoiding literal translations. Paraphrasing is a good
vocabulary building exercise that you should continue to do periodically even after you feel
you are adept at sight translation. Moreover, paraphrasing is a good problem-solving
technique; if you have trouble translating a phrase in a sight translation text, try paraphrasing
it mentally in the source language first, and it may trigger a solution in the target language. It
is important to remember, however, that paraphrasing is a valuable learning tool and mental
exercise; you should never paraphrase when you are interpreting in court, for example.
Elements of Sight Translation
Conservation: the interpreter should conserve the register of the source language
text (complex vs. simple, formal vs. informal)
Written language: Written material is more densely packed with information than
spoken language.
Punctuation: may serve the function of intonation.
Reading Comprehension: Interpreters must be adept at grasping the meaning of written
texts and understanding the material explicitly and implicitly (interrelationships of ideas)

Prediction: Interpreters should be able to predict the outcome of an incomplete message


and also be versed in the various writing styles—legal documents, personal and business
correspondence, technical reports so they can be alert to common constructions that may
pose translation problems.
Exercises for Sight Translation

1. Reading Aloud: Stand in front of a mirror and read passages aloud from any
book, newspaper, or magazine. Record yourself and analyze the outcome
critically. Pay attention to your voice, pitch, tone, hesitations, signs, projection,
enunciation, and posture.
2. Extensive Reading: Build up your reading speed and your vocabulary by
reading as much as possible in many different fields.
3. Deciphering Handwriting: Obtain texts written by hand (e.g., personal letters)
and practice deciphering the handwriting on the first oral reading.
4. Chunking: Choose a text and mark off the units of
meaning in it. Example: I was getting ready / to go out
to lunch / with my mother-in-law when /, all of the
sudden, / I felt sick to my stomach. / It occurred to me /
that it might be something psychosomatic,/ but later I
found out / that I was simply allergic to the perfume /
she always wore.

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