Forms of Annotations by Sight Translation Under-training Students

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the forms of annotations utilised by translation students who are under training during sight translation and to identify which forms are the most common ones. Mixed methods were utilised to answer the research questions. The qualitative method analysed 60 papers for two exams, while the quantitative one in a survey consisted of 11 questions.

    The findings reveal that six main forms of annotations were identified: underlining words, translating words, translating and underlining words, translating the first/second sentences, annotating the first/second sentences, and mixed forms of annotation. According to the tutor's observations, underlining words was the most prevalent form, while translating words form was the most frequent one based on the survey results. A mixed annotation form was only recognised when analysing students’ papers; interestingly, the survey findings lacked this form.

     It is concluded that annotations in sight translation are mainly restricted to underlining, circling, and sometimes translating, drawing arrows and usually for subject, verb, or key words that are essential to constitute the sense for a phrase/ sentence. Highlighting, summarising, and writing in the margins were excluded from annotation’s forms. More attention should be paid to teaching annotations to translation students.