What is sight translation and when is it appropriate to use it?

• A. Translating spoken language in real time into the target language.
• B. Interpreting only numbers from a document.
• C. Reading a written document aloud in the target language; use when no interpreter is available or immediate translation is needed, but proceed cautiously with accuracy.
• D. Translating a written document into sign language.

Answer: (C)

Sight translation is when an interpreter takes a written document in one language and reads it aloud in another language for the listener, on the spot. It’s used when there isn’t time to arrange a formal interpreter or when immediate understanding of a written text is needed. The idea is to convey the meaning of the document quickly, but because you’re translating from text you read aloud rather than listening to spoken language, accuracy can be uncertain with complex or technical material—so proceed cautiously and verify important terms when possible.

This matches the option that describes reading a written document aloud in the target language and using it when no interpreter is available or immediate translation is needed, with an emphasis on careful attention to accuracy. It’s not about translating spoken language in real time, not about pulling out numbers only, and not about translating into sign language.