CDI CDI Team Interpreting and Collaboration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a CDI/hearing interpreter team, what is the primary role of the hearing ASL interpreter?
- To interpret from spoken English into ASL for the CDI to relay (Correct answer)
- To provide voice interpreting only
- To monitor the Deaf consumer's comprehension
- To handle all administrative communication with the client
Correct answer: To interpret from spoken English into ASL for the CDI to relay
In the team model, the hearing ASL interpreter converts spoken English into ASL, which the CDI then relays using the Deaf consumer's preferred language or communication mode.
Question 2: How often should a CDI and hearing interpreter team switch 'on' and 'off' roles during a long assignment?
- Every 20–30 minutes to prevent cognitive fatigue (Correct answer)
- Every 60 minutes based on standard union rules
- Only at natural breaks in the proceedings
- Whenever the Deaf consumer requests a switch
Correct answer: Every 20–30 minutes to prevent cognitive fatigue
Industry best practice recommends team interpreters switch active and support roles every 20–30 minutes to manage cognitive load and maintain accuracy.
Question 3: During a team interpreting assignment, the support interpreter's role includes:
- Taking a break in a separate room
- Monitoring for errors and providing unobtrusive feed to the active interpreter (Correct answer)
- Communicating directly with the Deaf consumer
- Summarizing the session for the client afterward
Correct answer: Monitoring for errors and providing unobtrusive feed to the active interpreter
The support interpreter remains engaged by monitoring for errors and providing quiet, unobtrusive assistance to the active interpreter when needed.
Question 4: Before a team assignment, what should the CDI and hearing interpreter do together?
- Agree on which interpreter will handle the most complex content
- Conduct a pre-session briefing to align on terminology, logistics, and team dynamics (Correct answer)
- Determine which interpreter will be paid more based on experience
- Ask the client to choose which interpreter they prefer for each segment
Correct answer: Conduct a pre-session briefing to align on terminology, logistics, and team dynamics
A pre-session briefing allows the team to align on terminology, switching signals, and communication strategies before the assignment begins.
Question 5: A CDI notices the hearing interpreter made a significant error during an active segment. The best response is to:
- Interrupt the speaker immediately and correct the error aloud
- Provide a quiet, discreet feed to the active interpreter with the correction (Correct answer)
- Wait until the session ends to discuss the error
- Take over as the active interpreter without signaling
Correct answer: Provide a quiet, discreet feed to the active interpreter with the correction
A discreet feed allows the active interpreter to self-correct without disrupting the session or embarrassing the team member.
Question 6: Which of the following is a key benefit of using a CDI/hearing interpreter team over a hearing interpreter alone?
- It reduces the total interpreting cost for the client
- It ensures access for Deaf individuals with non-standard or diverse language backgrounds (Correct answer)
- It allows one interpreter to rest while the other works
- It speeds up the overall pace of communication
Correct answer: It ensures access for Deaf individuals with non-standard or diverse language backgrounds
A CDI's deep linguistic and cultural expertise as a Deaf individual ensures access for consumers who use non-standard, tactile, or highly individualized communication systems.
CDI CDI Team Interpreting and Collaboration 1
In a CDI/hearing interpreter team, what is the primary role of the hearing ASL interpreter?