CASLI Interpreting Skills & Techniques 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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:
- Share observations to help the therapist provide better care
- Decline, citing confidentiality and the boundary between interpreting and clinical roles (Correct answer)
- Provide a written report instead of verbal feedback
- Consult the RID ethics hotline before responding to the therapist
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'pre-session' meeting between the interpreter and the Deaf consumer?
- To allow the interpreter to coach the consumer on what to say
- To establish communication preferences, clarify logistical needs, and build rapport before the assignment begins (Correct answer)
- To obtain personal information for the interpreter's records
- To replace the need for preparation materials
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'prosody' as it applies to ASL interpretation?
- The written grammar rules of ASL
- Rhythm, pacing, stress, and non-manual markers that convey meaning and affect in signed language (Correct answer)
- The number of signs per minute an interpreter produces
- The physical placement of the interpreter relative to participants
Correct 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.
Question 4: When interpreting in a religious service, the interpreter's primary responsibility regarding religious doctrine is to:
- Interpret the message faithfully without injecting personal theological opinion (Correct answer)
- Simplify or explain religious concepts the interpreter disagrees with
- Omit references to religious figures if the consumer is not religious
- Consult with the clergy before interpreting any theological content
Correct answer: Interpret the message faithfully without injecting personal theological opinion
Interpreters must render all content impartially, including religious doctrine, regardless of their personal beliefs.
Question 5: A Deaf-Blind consumer uses tactile ASL. The interpreter must primarily adapt by:
- Switching to spoken English only
- Placing their hands in the consumer's hands and producing signs within the tactile field (Correct answer)
- Using large, exaggerated visual signs at a greater distance
- Requesting a CDI to replace them for the assignment
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which CASLI competency domain specifically addresses an interpreter's knowledge of Deaf culture and community?
- Linguistic competence in ASL
- Cultural knowledge and bicultural mediation (Correct answer)
- Ethical decision-making
- Technical vocabulary acquisition
Correct 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.
Question 7: During a fast-paced group discussion with multiple speakers, the most critical skill for the interpreter is:
- Asking speakers to slow down before interpreting anything
- Managing turn-taking and briefly signaling topic and speaker shifts to the Deaf consumer (Correct answer)
- Interpreting only the primary speaker and ignoring side comments
- Requesting that all participants communicate in writing
Correct 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.
CASLI Interpreting Skills & Techniques 5
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: