Name: Arijie Balqiis Suryanjani

Nim/Class : 1215030034/4A

Sight Interpreting
Sight interpreting is an interpretation of a written text, usually received by the translator without
preparation time. Such interpreting services are usually provided by notaries or sworn translators in
court when interested parties need to understand the content of documents presented in a foreign
language.

Sight interpreting requires excellent language skills, good memory, quick thinking, resistance to
stress, and good attention and concentration of the interpreter. A major challenge for interpreters is
that while they are expected to read and translate the required fragments, they are not familiar with
the content and context of the entire document. In order for translations to be correct, consistent and
fluent, translators must be able to absorb as much text as possible and quickly translate it into the
target language.

A. Elements of Sight Interpreting.

1. Conservation: the interpreter should conserve the register of the source language text
(complex vs. simple, formal vs. informal)
2. Written language:
Written material is more densely packed with information than spoken language. Punctuation may
serve the function of intonation.
3. Reading Comprehension: Interpreters must be adept at grasping the meaning of written texts
and understanding the material explicitly and implicitly (interrelationships of ideas)
4. 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.

B. The skill are needed to do sight translation.

1. Analysis of reading comprehension and meaning of the original text.
2. Cognitive processing skills and fluency in building messages.
3. Ability to work accurately in a limited amount of time.
4. Fluency of ASL production in target.
5. Ability to effectively evoke feedback and confirmation of understanding in a culturally
sensitive manner.
6. Ability to stand up for help (e.g. more time, clarification of meaning, explanation of meaning,
etc.) as needed.

C. Process of Sight Translation

1. Scan the document to determine the subject matter, context, style, and country of origin.
2. Make a mental note of common pitfalls unique to the source language.
3. Skim the passages quickly and identify key features, commas, parentheses, etc.
4. Translate sentence by sentence, focusing on one unit of meaning at a time.
5. Maintain a steady pace, translating as smoothly as possible.