5.3: Sight Translation

In this section, we’re going to talk about a third mode of interpretation, which is called sight translation.

If, as a kid, your parents ever got a letter they couldn’t read in English and asked you to read it for them, you were already attempting sight translation. If you’ve ever helped a friend or family member fill out a form or application in English because they didn’t speak the language, that was sight translation too. Even helping someone read assembly instructions written in English qualifies.

Watch the quick video to see how an interpreter "sigh translates" a document written in Spanish, into English.

What Is Sight Translation?

The official definition of sight translation is:

Reading and understanding written content in the source language, and delivering that content orally in a target language, completely and accurately.

To put this in context: instead of a speaker, the document becomes the “speaker.” The messages are written in English, and instead of listening, you’re using your reading comprehension skills to understand the message, transfer it into the target language, and deliver it orally—without writing anything down.

It’s important to remember that sight translation is a mode of interpretation, not written translation. The term “translation” is included because the message you are interpreting is written, but you are not providing a written translation.

As with all interpretation modes, the message must be relayed accurately and completely, with no additions, omissions, or substitutions.

Reading Types and Skills

In sight translation, your first step is reading and understanding the text.

There are different types of reading:

• Reading for entertainment
  

• Reading to learn
  

• Reading to critique
  

• Reading to apply (like instructions)
  

• Reading for general comprehension
  

For sight translation, you need to read for comprehension, to extract meaning and then:

1. Find equivalent concepts in your language of service
   

2. Reformulate the message
   

3. Deliver it fluently and accurately
   

You’ll need skills in:

• Reading comprehension
  

• Target language fluency
  

• Message reformulation
  

• Smooth, natural delivery
  

Reading slowly or pausing too often makes it difficult for the listener to follow. You must also develop your reading speed so you don’t delay the encounter. If the provider and patient have to wait too long, they may begin chatting, which would interrupt your focus and require you to pause the sight translation and interpret instead.

Sight Translation skills

Sight translation is an essential skill for professional interpreters. As you may have gathered after completing both reading assignments, the circumstances around which interpreters are asked to sight translate can vary as much as the type of texts they are asked to sight translate.

At this stage of the textbook and for the purposes of this module you will work on learning and understanding:

• The most common types of documents interpreters sight translate
• The most common types of documents interpreters should decline to sight translate
• Sight translation skills including component skills

Keepin' it Real

• You will not be sight translating at EVERY encounter, most of the time sight translation will exist within the task of assisting clients/patients with completing forms.
• That said, you WILL have to practice sight translation a lot. WHY? Because it is a task that is high in difficulty when required, but MOSTLY because it is IMPORTANT for learning and improving message transfer skills. Sight Translation practice additionally will support medical vocabulary building.

When Is Sight Translation Used?

Not every healthcare encounter involves sight translation. You’ll typically use this mode when:

• Patients need to complete or sign forms
  

• They are given instructions to take home (e.g., post-op care)
  

Types of Documents You Might Sight Translate