CTC Translation Accuracy & Techniques 3

Question 1

In court interpretation, 'false friends' are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Words in two languages that look similar but have different meanings

Answer

False cognates (false friends) share superficial resemblance across languages but differ in meaning, making them a frequent source of translation errors.

Question 2

Which technique is most appropriate when an attorney asks a rapid series of short questions during cross-examination?

Accepted Answer

Consecutive interpretation with note-taking for each question-answer pair

Answer

Consecutive interpretation with notes ensures accuracy for each discrete Q&A pair, which is the standard for witness testimony in U.S. courts.

Question 3

A witness answers a question in Spanish but embeds an English idiom mid-sentence. The interpreter should:

Accepted Answer

Interpret the entire utterance, rendering the English idiom's meaning in context

Answer

Code-switching is part of the witness's authentic speech and must be interpreted fully, reflecting any shift in register or emphasis it signals.

Question 4

Under the Court Interpreters Act (28 U.S.C. § 1827), competency for federal court interpreters is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Certification through the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or a recognized exam

Answer

The Act requires interpreters to be certified by the Director of the AOUSC or, where no certified interpreter is available, to meet defined competency criteria.

Question 5

An interpreter realizes mid-testimony that she misinterpreted a key number (e.g., said 'fifteen' instead of 'fifty'). She should:

Accepted Answer

Interrupt with 'Interpreter's correction' and provide the accurate figure

Answer

Material errors must be corrected on the record immediately; allowing them to stand could compromise the integrity of testimony.

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

(CTC) Court Translator Certification Practice Test

CTC Translation Accuracy & Techniques 3