CASLI Ethical & Professional Decision-Making 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Deaf consumer using a sign that the interpreter does not recognize asks the interpreter what they signed. What is most appropriate?
- Guess based on context and continue
- Ask for clarification using a professional, brief request (Correct answer)
- Tell the consumer to fingerspell instead
- Interpret an approximation and note the uncertainty in writing
Correct answer: Ask for clarification using a professional, brief request
Clarification requests are a legitimate professional tool that preserve accuracy without undermining the interpreter's role.
Question 2: An interpreter notices that a colleague is consistently providing inaccurate interpretations in a shared workplace. What is the ethical course of action?
- Correct the colleague publicly during sessions
- Speak with the colleague privately and, if unresolved, consult supervisory channels (Correct answer)
- Ignore it to preserve the professional relationship
- Report to consumers so they can seek another interpreter
Correct answer: Speak with the colleague privately and, if unresolved, consult supervisory channels
Professional responsibility includes peer accountability; the preferred sequence is private discussion before formal escalation.
Question 3: An interpreter is asked to interpret a conversation between two Deaf individuals and a hearing person who is also signing. What unique consideration applies?
- The interpreter can remain silent since both Deaf parties are signing
- The interpreter must clarify their role and confirm what communication facilitation is actually needed (Correct answer)
- The interpreter should focus only on the hearing person's signs
- The interpreter should translate between ASL and English only
Correct answer: The interpreter must clarify their role and confirm what communication facilitation is actually needed
When multiple signers are present, the interpreter must clearly establish expectations and determine whether their role is still needed.
Question 4: A parent who is hearing insists the interpreter tell them what their Deaf adult child said privately to a doctor. What should the interpreter do?
- Tell the parent since parents have the right to medical information
- Decline; the adult Deaf patient's confidentiality must be protected (Correct answer)
- Provide a summary without direct quotes
- Ask the doctor to decide
Correct answer: Decline; the adult Deaf patient's confidentiality must be protected
Adult patients have the right to medical privacy regardless of family dynamics; the interpreter must uphold that confidentiality.
Question 5: An interpreter is simultaneously processing a very fast speaker and realizes they are significantly losing content. What is the best immediate action?
- Omit the unclear portions without comment
- Signal the speaker to slow down or request a brief pause (Correct answer)
- Switch to consecutive interpreting without informing anyone
- Ask the team interpreter to take over without explanation
Correct answer: Signal the speaker to slow down or request a brief pause
Requesting a pace adjustment preserves accuracy and is consistent with the interpreter's ethical duty to produce a complete message.
Question 6: An interpreter working in a substance abuse group session is asked by the facility to share which participants attended. What is correct?
- Share attendance since it is a facility request
- Decline; group session attendance is confidential consumer information (Correct answer)
- Share anonymized attendance data only
- Check with the agency before responding
Correct answer: Decline; group session attendance is confidential consumer information
Attendance information from a confidential group setting is protected; interpreters must not disclose it to facility staff without proper authorization.
Question 7: Which action best reflects the CASLI principle of 'maintaining professional boundaries' in a long-term interpreting relationship?
- Becoming a personal advisor to the Deaf consumer over time
- Maintaining consistent professional conduct and avoiding dual relationships (Correct answer)
- Socializing with consumers outside work to build rapport
- Sharing personal contact information for emergencies
Correct answer: Maintaining consistent professional conduct and avoiding dual relationships
Professional boundaries prevent dual relationships that could compromise impartiality and objectivity regardless of relationship length.
CASLI Ethical & Professional Decision-Making 4
A Deaf consumer using a sign that the interpreter does not recognize asks the interpreter what they signed.
What is most appropriate?