CILISAT - Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tools Simultaneous Interpreting Techniques Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the primary cognitive challenge unique to simultaneous interpreting compared to consecutive interpreting?

Answer: Listening, processing, and speaking at the same time

Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to listen, comprehend, and speak in the target language all at once, creating a high cognitive load.

When interpreting numbers or statistics simultaneously, what is the recommended technique?

Answer: Write the number down before rendering it

Writing numbers down prevents memory errors and ensures accurate rendition of critical numerical information during simultaneous interpreting.

Which of the following best describes 'transposition' as used in simultaneous interpreting?

Answer: Changing the grammatical category of a word to fit the target language

Transposition involves changing the part of speech (e.g., verb to noun) to produce a natural equivalent in the target language.

In simultaneous interpreting, what should an interpreter do when they miss a word or phrase?

Answer: Insert a filler and continue, then self-correct if possible

Using a filler to maintain fluency while catching up, then self-correcting when possible, keeps communication flowing without stopping the session.

What effect does a very fast speaking rate by the source speaker have on simultaneous interpreting quality?

Answer: It reduces accuracy as the interpreter has less processing time

A fast speaking rate compresses the interpreter's processing time, increasing the risk of omissions, inaccuracies, and cognitive overload.

Why is subject-matter preparation especially critical for simultaneous interpreting?

Answer: Simultaneous interpreters are not allowed to ask clarifying questions during delivery

Because simultaneous interpreters cannot interrupt the speaker to clarify, pre-session glossary review and topic familiarization are essential for accuracy.