Language Proficiency & Interpretation Flashcards

In simultaneous interpretation, 'ear-voice span' (EVS) refers to:

Answer: The time lag between when the interpreter hears input and begins speaking the interpretation

EVS is the deliberate time lag that allows the interpreter to process enough context before rendering the target-language output accurately.

Which of the following best describes 'register' in the context of court interpretation?

Answer: The level of formality and style of language appropriate to the context

Register refers to the variety of language used in a particular social situation, such as formal legal English versus colloquial street speech.

A bilingual attorney asks the court interpreter to tell her privately what the defendant whispered. The interpreter should:

Answer: Decline and explain that all interpreted communications must be on the record

Interpreters must keep all communications on the record; private disclosure to an attorney violates impartiality and transparency obligations.

When a witness gives an extremely long, rambling response, the court interpreter should:

Answer: Interpret everything rendered, requesting the witness to pause if necessary

Interpreters must render complete, faithful renditions; they may signal for pauses when utterances are too long, but may never summarize.

The Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE) assesses oral proficiency in which mode?

Answer: Simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation

The FCICE evaluates candidates in all three modes — simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation — reflecting real courtroom demands.

A court interpreter who speaks both languages fluently but has no formal training in legal terminology should:

Answer: Decline assignments until competency in legal terminology is achieved

Linguistic fluency alone is insufficient; legal terminology competency is required before accepting court assignments to ensure accuracy.

In court interpretation, 'false cognates' between Spanish and English (e.g., 'embarazada' vs. 'embarrassed') are dangerous because they:

Answer: Can produce seriously misleading renditions that alter the record

False cognates look or sound similar but mean different things; rendering 'embarazada' as 'embarrassed' instead of 'pregnant' could materially distort testimony.