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Lecture 1 Sight Interpretation

The document discusses sight translation, which is the oral rendition of a written text from one language to another. It is a hybrid of translation and interpretation. Sight translation requires quick reading comprehension and the ability to absorb meaning in order to provide an accurate oral translation. When performing sight translation, interpreters should focus on meaning over specific words, speak clearly, maintain smooth pacing, and avoid sudden starts and stops. The document provides examples of homework assignments related to sight translation, including defining it, listing advice for interpreters, writing an essay on the topic, and practicing the oral translation of a short passage.

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محمد حسن
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210 views

Lecture 1 Sight Interpretation

The document discusses sight translation, which is the oral rendition of a written text from one language to another. It is a hybrid of translation and interpretation. Sight translation requires quick reading comprehension and the ability to absorb meaning in order to provide an accurate oral translation. When performing sight translation, interpreters should focus on meaning over specific words, speak clearly, maintain smooth pacing, and avoid sudden starts and stops. The document provides examples of homework assignments related to sight translation, including defining it, listing advice for interpreters, writing an essay on the topic, and practicing the oral translation of a short passage.

Uploaded by

محمد حسن
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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University of Basrah Instructor :Dr.

Mugdad
College of Arts Date:09\12\2020
Dept. of Translation
Second Stage \Morning Classes
Subject: Sight Interpretation

Introduction :

“Interpretation” reminds of both consecutive and simultaneous


interpretation. Sight translation is the oral rendition of text written in one
language into another language and is usually done in the moment. Sight
translation is often requested of an interpreter during an interpreting
assignment.* It’s a hybrid of translation and interpretation.

What is interpretation?

The basic definition of interpretation, according to the Webster dictionary


is the “action of explaining the meaning of something; the way something
is explained or understood.”

In terms of language, the definition of interpretation should be broader:


rendering a spoken or signed message into another spoken or signed
language, preserving the register and meaning of the source language
content.

It is the spoken or signed language communication between users of


different languages. A language interpreter or sign language interpreter
must not only quickly and carefully interpret meaning, but also tone and
intent of the original message into the target or interpreted language.

What is simultaneous interpreting?


There are actually three primary modes of interpreting: consecutive,
simultaneous and sight translation.

1. Simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter listens and renders the


message in the target language at the same time as the speaker is
speaking.

2. Consecutive interpreting: The interpreter speaks after the source


language speaker has stopped speaking.

3. Sight translation: An oral rendition of a written text.

How is interpretation performed?

Often we think of a language being interpreted face-to-face, such as in a


court, school or medical facility. However, remote interpreting can also be
performed through telephonic interpreting or video remote interpreting.

No matter the format, the interpreter must have excellent language


proficiency, be able to quickly analyze and transfer messages between
languages and adhere to professional ethics and standards of practice .

At times, interpreters in the field may be asked to use sight translation, the
method of orally reproducing a written text in a target language. This
method bridges translation and interpretation, and is now considered to be
its own mode of interpreting. Legal interpreters are generally expected to
work in all three modes (simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation),
and medical interpreters are expected to work using both consecutive and
sight translation.
Since sight translation is “two-toned,” that is, requiring both reading and
speech, it comes with its own unique challenges, thus requiring somewhat
different skills than traditional simultaneous or consecutive interpreting, or
written translation. Often, texts to be sight translated are handwritten,
which can make them difficult to read. It is a good idea to be prepared for
unfamiliar penmanship, and to take the time to decipher unclear writing.

Sight translation requires quick and accurate reading comprehension, so


another way to prepare to do this task is by reading a wide variety of
literature and other written texts regularly. In addition to reading practice,
some online resources provide exercises to increase reading
comprehension. An interpreter who is able to read a text quickly and absorb
its meaning will be able to provide a better sight translation.

Remember, when interpreting in any mode, that the provider should be


present at all times. For example, it would be inappropriate for a nurse to
ask an interpreter to sight translate a document while they left the room to
do something else. When the provider leaves the room, the interpreter must
follow.

Using sight translation for long documents can take a long time, and fatigue
the interpreter, leading to error. Because of this, its use should be limited.
Some documents, such as materials routinely provided in English, and vital
documents, including legal consent forms, may not be appropriate for sight
translation by an interpreter without legal certification. They should instead
be translated professionally. With questions about when to use sight
translation, please contact your SWITS representative.
Sight interpretation is orally providing a version in another language of a
written text, such as a complaint, jury charge, or document.

 Focus on the meaning of the word in the context—not the word itself.

 Your delivery is important – Speak loudly and clearly.

 Avoid sudden starts and stops.

 Smooth pacing is important. You should sound as though you are reading
a document in the target language.

Homework 1

1.Define Sight Translation

2.What are your advices for good interpreters.

3.Write an essay on the sight interpretation and sight interpreter.

4. What is interpretation?

5.Choose a short passage(5 lines)and give yourself 20-30 seconds for translation
from English into Arabic(orally).After that send this passage to your teacher.

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