CCL Consecutive Interpreting Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'lag time' in consecutive interpreting?
- The delay between signing a contract and beginning an assignment
- The interval between the end of the source message and the start of the interpretation (Correct answer)
- The time needed to look up terminology after an assignment
- The pause a speaker takes between sentences
Correct answer: The interval between the end of the source message and the start of the interpretation
Lag time (also called décalage) is the deliberate delay between hearing the source message and beginning to render it in the target language.
Question 2: A patient in a medical interview uses highly technical medical terminology the interpreter does not know. What is the appropriate consecutive interpreting response?
- Paraphrase using general terms without disclosing the gap
- Use the source-language term in the target-language output and clarify if needed (Correct answer)
- Omit the term and continue with surrounding context
- End the session and refer to a medical interpreter
Correct answer: Use the source-language term in the target-language output and clarify if needed
Retaining and voicing the source-language technical term preserves the speaker's message while allowing the provider to clarify its meaning if necessary.
Question 3: Why is register maintenance important in consecutive interpreting?
- It ensures the interpreter charges the correct rate for the session
- It ensures the formality and tone of the source message is preserved in the target language (Correct answer)
- It prevents the interpreter from using slang in professional settings
- It requires the interpreter to match the speaker's emotional state
Correct answer: It ensures the formality and tone of the source message is preserved in the target language
Register maintenance means reproducing the appropriate level of formality, technicality, and tone so that the target-language listener receives the same message quality as the source-language speaker intended.
Question 4: An interpreter is working in a social services interview where the client provides a very long, emotionally intense monologue. What is the best approach?
- Interrupt frequently to keep segments manageable (Correct answer)
- Let the client finish completely, then interpret the entire monologue
- Interpret only the factual content and omit emotional cues
- Ask the case worker to simplify the questions instead
Correct answer: Interrupt frequently to keep segments manageable
Frequent, polite segmentation preserves accuracy since memory capacity is finite; omitting emotion or waiting too long risks losing critical content.
Question 5: What is the recommended technique for handling numbers, dates, and proper names in consecutive interpreting notes?
- Write them phonetically in the target language
- Write them exactly as heard in numerals or original form (Correct answer)
- Convert them to approximate values to save time
- Omit them and request repetition after delivery
Correct answer: Write them exactly as heard in numerals or original form
Numbers, dates, and proper names must be captured exactly as spoken because approximations or omissions can cause serious errors in legal, medical, or administrative contexts.
Question 6: What does self-monitoring mean for a consecutive interpreter during delivery?
- Recording one's own performance for later review
- Checking the accuracy and completeness of the target-language output in real time (Correct answer)
- Observing the speaker's body language for emotional cues
- Timing each segment to ensure equal speaking turns
Correct answer: Checking the accuracy and completeness of the target-language output in real time
Self-monitoring involves actively evaluating whether the interpretation being delivered accurately reflects the source message while simultaneously managing fluency.
Question 7: When should a consecutive interpreter request clarification from a speaker?
- Whenever a word sounds unfamiliar, before interpreting
- Only after completing the full interpretation if something was unclear
- When ambiguity would result in an inaccurate or misleading interpretation (Correct answer)
- Never, as requesting clarification undermines professional credibility
Correct answer: When ambiguity would result in an inaccurate or misleading interpretation
Clarification should be requested when ambiguity would compromise the accuracy of the interpretation, not for every unfamiliar term that can be reasonably inferred from context.
CCL Consecutive Interpreting Techniques 2
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'lag time' in consecutive interpreting?