Sight translation between Chinese and English: an overview

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of sight translation, a hybrid mode of interpretation and translation that involves simultaneous processing of written texts and oral translation. The primary focus of this chapter is on the language pair of Chinese and English. Firstly, various perspectives on the definition of ‘sight translation’ ‘sight interpreting/interpretation’ and ‘simultaneous interpreting with text’ will be explored, followed by a refined definition of ‘sight translation.’ Then common settings where sight translation occurs will be introduced, drawing on situations in China and overseas Chinese communities to illuminate the diverse market demands for this mode of interpretation. Following this, the challenges specific to sight translation between English and Chinese will be discussed, based on which I will introduce the current practice in teaching and assessing sight translation. The discussion will then shift to the existing research on sight translation, with a focus on studies related to sight translation between English and Chinese. Finally, the chapter will explore the evolving needs for sight translation in the digital age, outlining the future directions for this mode of interpretation.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge handbook of Chinese interpreting
EditorsRiccardo Moratto, Cheng Zhan
Place of PublicationAbingdon, Oxon
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Chapter12
Pages176-185
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781032687766
ISBN (Print)9781032664569, 9781032687742
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameRoutledge Handbooks in Translation and Interpreting Studies

Keywords

  • sight translation
  • interpreting
  • Chinese interpreting

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