Interpreting Skills & Techniques Flashcards

An interpreter working in a mental health setting is asked by the therapist to share observations about the Deaf client's communication patterns outside of sessions. The interpreter should:

Answer: Decline, citing confidentiality and the boundary between interpreting and clinical roles

Interpreters must maintain strict confidentiality and avoid assuming clinical roles, even when well-intentioned requests are made.

What is the purpose of a 'pre-session' meeting between the interpreter and the Deaf consumer?

Answer: To establish communication preferences, clarify logistical needs, and build rapport before the assignment begins

Pre-sessions allow interpreters and consumers to align on communication style, preferences, and logistics to improve access during the assignment.

Which of the following best describes 'prosody' as it applies to ASL interpretation?

Answer: Rhythm, pacing, stress, and non-manual markers that convey meaning and affect in signed language

ASL prosody includes non-manual markers, pausing, rhythm, and pacing that convey grammatical and affective information beyond individual signs.

When interpreting in a religious service, the interpreter's primary responsibility regarding religious doctrine is to:

Answer: Interpret the message faithfully without injecting personal theological opinion

Interpreters must render all content impartially, including religious doctrine, regardless of their personal beliefs.

A Deaf-Blind consumer uses tactile ASL. The interpreter must primarily adapt by:

Answer: Placing their hands in the consumer's hands and producing signs within the tactile field

Tactile ASL requires the interpreter to sign within the consumer's hands or forearms so the consumer can perceive signs through touch.

Which CASLI competency domain specifically addresses an interpreter's knowledge of Deaf culture and community?

Answer: Cultural knowledge and bicultural mediation

CASLI assesses bicultural competence as a distinct domain, recognizing that effective interpreting requires deep understanding of both Deaf and hearing cultures.

During a fast-paced group discussion with multiple speakers, the most critical skill for the interpreter is:

Answer: Managing turn-taking and briefly signaling topic and speaker shifts to the Deaf consumer

In multi-speaker environments, managing turn-taking and identifying speaker changes is essential for the Deaf consumer to fully access the interaction.