CCL CCL Vocabulary and Terminology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the CCL exam, what does the term 'register' refer to when interpreting community language conversations?
- The formal or informal level of language used in a given context (Correct answer)
- The volume at which the speaker delivers the message
- The accent or dialect of the speaker
- The speed of speech during the conversation
Correct answer: The formal or informal level of language used in a given context
Register refers to the level of formality in language, which interpreters must match when conveying messages between speakers.
Question 2: Which term best describes a word or phrase that sounds similar in two languages but has different meanings?
- False cognate (Correct answer)
- Synonym
- Homophone
- Calque
Correct answer: False cognate
A false cognate (or 'false friend') is a word that resembles a word in another language but differs significantly in meaning.
Question 3: What is a 'calque' in the context of language and interpreting?
- A word-for-word translation of a foreign expression (Correct answer)
- A type of formal greeting used in official settings
- A technical term specific to legal interpretation
- A written transcript of an oral conversation
Correct answer: A word-for-word translation of a foreign expression
A calque is a loan translation where each part of a foreign phrase is translated literally into the target language.
Question 4: In the CCL context, what does 'idiomatic expression' mean?
- A phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words (Correct answer)
- A technical term used only in medical or legal settings
- A culturally neutral phrase suitable for any audience
- A formal greeting used in community settings
Correct answer: A phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words
An idiomatic expression is a phrase that means something different from the literal interpretation of its individual words.
Question 5: When a CCL candidate encounters specialized jargon during an interpreting task, what is the best strategy?
- Use the equivalent specialized term in the target language if one exists (Correct answer)
- Avoid the term and paraphrase using simple language only
- Ask the examiner to clarify the meaning before proceeding
- Translate the term word-for-word regardless of accuracy
Correct answer: Use the equivalent specialized term in the target language if one exists
Accurate interpretation requires using the equivalent specialized terminology in the target language to preserve the precise meaning.
Question 6: Which vocabulary strategy is most appropriate for a CCL candidate interpreting a government benefits conversation?
- Learn the standard terminology used by US government agencies in both languages (Correct answer)
- Use informal everyday words to make the conversation more relatable
- Avoid technical terms and use only common vocabulary
- Translate directly without considering bureaucratic language conventions
Correct answer: Learn the standard terminology used by US government agencies in both languages
Government benefits conversations use standardized terminology that must be accurately conveyed in both languages for clarity and legal accuracy.
In the CCL exam, what does the term 'register' refer to when interpreting community language conversations?