CASLI Cultural & Linguistic Mediation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the context of CASLI evaluation, 'source language interference' in a cultural mediation task most likely refers to:
- Background noise disrupting the interpreter's concentration
- Imposing source language grammar or cultural frames onto the target language (Correct answer)
- Technical difficulties with video relay equipment
- A conflict between the interpreter and one of the participants
Correct answer: Imposing source language grammar or cultural frames onto the target language
Source language interference occurs when the interpreter's output mirrors the structure of the source rather than producing natural target language.
Question 2: When Deaf community members reference 'oralism' negatively, they are typically referring to:
- The use of oral health metaphors in ASL educational materials
- Historically enforced educational policies that banned signed languages in favor of speech (Correct answer)
- A communication style preference among late-deafened adults
- The practice of using both ASL and spoken English simultaneously
Correct answer: Historically enforced educational policies that banned signed languages in favor of speech
Oralism was a dominant educational philosophy that suppressed signed languages and is a significant cultural trauma marker in Deaf history.
Question 3: A Deaf client expresses frustration that the interpreter is using Signed Exact English (SEE) instead of ASL. The interpreter should:
- Explain that SEE is a legitimate language equal to ASL
- Acknowledge the concern and shift to ASL grammar as requested (Correct answer)
- Continue using SEE because the hearing participants find it easier to follow
- Refer the client to a supervisor after the session
Correct answer: Acknowledge the concern and shift to ASL grammar as requested
Client preferences for language modality should be honored; ASL is the natural language of the Deaf community, not SEE.
Question 4: The 'Deaf President Now' (DPN) movement of 1988 is culturally significant to interpreters because it:
- Established the legal framework for sign language interpreting certification
- Demonstrated Deaf community agency and the political dimensions of Deaf cultural identity (Correct answer)
- Created the first federally funded ASL interpreter training program
- Led to the ADA's passage requiring workplace accommodations
Correct answer: Demonstrated Deaf community agency and the political dimensions of Deaf cultural identity
DPN at Gallaudet University was a watershed moment asserting Deaf self-determination and is central to Deaf cultural literacy.
Question 5: When an interpreter encounters a Deaf client who identifies as 'hard of hearing' and prefers spoken English over ASL, the appropriate response is to:
- Insist on using ASL since the client is audiologically Deaf
- Respect the client's self-identification and communication preference (Correct answer)
- Request a CART provider instead, as interpreting is no longer needed
- Document the preference but proceed with ASL for professional consistency
Correct answer: Respect the client's self-identification and communication preference
Self-identification and communication preferences must be respected; there is no single 'correct' identity for people with hearing loss.
Question 6: In a team interpreting assignment, cultural mediation notes about a specific client's communication style should be shared:
- Publicly in a session debrief attended by all participants
- Confidentially between team members during the assignment to ensure consistent service (Correct answer)
- Only after the client provides written consent for information sharing
- Never, as cultural observations are personal interpreter judgments
Correct answer: Confidentially between team members during the assignment to ensure consistent service
Team interpreters share client-specific information confidentially to maintain communication consistency without breaching privacy.
Question 7: An interpreter working in a mental health setting with a Deaf client who shows signs of distress should:
- Pause the session and provide counseling support directly
- Continue interpreting accurately while monitoring for safety and notifying the clinician through proper channels (Correct answer)
- Switch to a more cheerful tone to reduce the client's anxiety
- End the session and reschedule for when the client is more stable
Correct answer: Continue interpreting accurately while monitoring for safety and notifying the clinician through proper channels
Maintaining the interpreter role while ensuring the clinician is aware of safety concerns is the correct protocol in mental health settings.
CASLI Cultural & Linguistic Mediation 4
In the context of CASLI evaluation, 'source language interference' in a cultural mediation task most likely refers to: