SIGHT TRANSLATION - VERBAL AND WRITTEN

Sight translation is the oral rendition by reading aloud text written in one language into another language and is usually done on the spur of the moment. It’s a hybrid of translation and interpretation. Sight translation is often requested of an interpreter during an interpreting assignment. It may be appropriate or not according to the content.

Interpreters are allowed to provide a gist of the text, given that some texts can be very complex, and potentially time consuming- hence the referral of complex documents like legal or technical to a professional translator.

Always take the time to explain to your client what you are reading, and ask them do they understand what is being said. They are unlikely to remember what is being read to him if the document is complex and lengthy

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