Sight Translation and written translation. A comparative Analysis of causes of problems, Strategies and Translation Errors within the PACTE Translation Competence Model

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative empirical exploratory study of some cognitive aspects of the oral and written translation process within the translation competence construct. This research has a twofold objective: finding some evidence of specific translation competence skills in translation tasks and comparing these data in sight translation and written translation in order to empirically check if sight translation can really be considered an interpreting modality. A sample of 22 Translation and Interpretation students after the final last year examinations was used. They performed a sight translation and a written translation of the same text and answered retrospective questionnaires regarding causes of problems, and strategies used to solve them. Errors were assessed afterwards using three basic criteria: non-sens, faux sens and contresens. Results showed quantitative and qualitative differences in number of problems, their causes and strategies used. It also revealed more errors in sight translation. Qualitative results have been successfully incorporated to the PACTE translation competence model showing that empirical data corroborate the theoretical model. Specific results also show that psycho-physiological components are more relevant in sight translation, as it is the case in interpreting modalities, and knowledge about translation referring to reexpression, deverbalization, master of translation units is more relevant in written translation