CILISAT - Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tools Note-Taking for Interpreters Questions and Answers

Question 1

An interpreter finds that their notes consist of nearly complete sentences in the source language.
What is the most significant danger of this note-taking method during a consecutive interpreting assignment?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to a stilted, unnatural interpretation that follows the source language's syntax too closely.

Answer

The notepad might run out of paper too quickly.

Answer

The client may become suspicious if the interpreter is writing excessively.

Answer

It is difficult to remember personal symbols when writing full sentences.

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of using a personalized system of symbols and abbreviations in note-taking for interpreting?

Accepted Answer

It allows the interpreter to capture ideas much faster than writing out full words.

Answer

It ensures that any other interpreter can read and use the notes.

Answer

It provides a complete, verbatim transcript of the original speech for legal records.

Answer

It eliminates the need to actively remember the message, allowing total reliance on the notes.

Question 3

While interpreting for a social worker, a client lists several important dates and reference numbers rapidly. The interpreter manages to note all but one reference number. What is the most professionally responsible action?

Accepted Answer

Leave a clear blank or a question mark in the notes for the missing number and request clarification from the speaker before rendering the message.

Answer

Guess the missing number based on the context to maintain the flow of the conversation.

Answer

Omit the entire list of numbers from the interpretation to avoid sharing inaccurate information.

Answer

Render the parts of the message they are sure of and ask the client to repeat only the missing number afterward.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key feature of the vertical layout technique for note-taking in consecutive interpreting?

Accepted Answer

Placing ideas in a top-to-bottom sequence, often using indentation to show logical connections between main ideas and details.

Answer

Writing full sentences horizontally across the page from left to right.

Answer

Using one page for the source language and an opposite page for the target language.

Answer

Structuring notes diagonally from corner to corner to save space on the notepad.

Question 5

According to the foundational principles of interpreter note-taking, such as those developed by Jean-François Rozan, what should an interpreter prioritize noting?

Accepted Answer

The underlying ideas, concepts, and the logical links connecting them.

Answer

The exact words used by the speaker to ensure precision.

Answer

The grammatical structure of the source language sentences.

Answer

The interpreter's own translation of the message into the target language.

Question 6

Which of the following is a recommended practice when developing a personal note-taking system for interpreting?

Accepted Answer

Developing a consistent set of personal symbols and abbreviations and practicing them regularly.

Answer

Creating a new set of symbols for every interpreting assignment.

Answer

Memorizing a standardized, universal note-taking system used by all interpreters.

Answer

Focusing on writing in the target language exclusively to speed up the delivery.