Performance criteria descriptors for cognitive processing skills used in sight translating

Traditionally, sight translation has been conceived as a three stage process: visual reception of written text, cognitive processing of a message, then finally the production of speech carrying the message into a target language. This article argues that these three stages demand high levels of cognitive processing capability, including well trained memory, and well controlled linear eye scanning of the written text, with an ability to co-ordinate these processes to optimise communicative effectiveness. The cognitive processing required for sight translation competence is not clearly explained in the Australian Public Service Training Package Specialist Units of Competency for Translating and Interpreting. Therefore, this paper suggests ways to improve the clarity of assessment criteria by improving details of required skills and knowledge to be able to effectively sight translate the source text into the target language.