NAATI Interpretation Techniques and Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which note-taking symbol system is most widely recommended for consecutive interpretation training?
- A personalized system developed by the interpreter using icons, arrows, and abbreviations (Correct answer)
- A standardized phonetic alphabet applied to all languages
- Stenography as used by court reporters
- Full verbatim sentences in the source language
Correct answer: A personalized system developed by the interpreter using icons, arrows, and abbreviations
Interpreters develop personal symbol systems using arrows, icons, and abbreviations that capture relationships and ideas faster than full words.
Question 2: In dialogue interpretation (liaison interpreting), the interpreter should:
- Render each party's utterances completely before allowing the other party to respond
- Summarize long utterances to keep the conversation moving quickly
- Speak in first person on behalf of each speaker (Correct answer)
- Always position themselves between the two parties physically
Correct answer: Speak in first person on behalf of each speaker
Dialogue interpreters use first-person voice to preserve each speaker's direct communication relationship, saying 'I need the medication' rather than 'She said she needs the medication.'
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of 'shadowing' as a training exercise for simultaneous interpreters?
- To develop the ability to listen and speak simultaneously without yet translating (Correct answer)
- To practice translating written texts at speed
- To memorize common terminology in both languages
- To rehearse note-taking symbols
Correct answer: To develop the ability to listen and speak simultaneously without yet translating
Shadowing — repeating what you hear in the same language — trains the divided attention needed for simultaneous interpretation before translation is added.
Question 4: An interpreter is asked to interpret a hostile witness's aggressive tone in court. The correct approach is to:
- Render the aggression and emotional register faithfully in the target language (Correct answer)
- Neutralize the tone to prevent escalation in court
- Warn the judge about the witness's hostility before interpreting
- Omit offensive expressions to maintain decorum
Correct answer: Render the aggression and emotional register faithfully in the target language
Interpreters must convey both content and register, including emotional tone, so the court can assess the witness's demeanor accurately.
Question 5: Which technique involves an interpreter speaking at the same time as the speaker but slightly behind, used most often at international conferences?
- Simultaneous interpretation (Correct answer)
- Consecutive interpretation
- Whispered interpretation (chuchotage)
- Relay interpretation
Correct answer: Simultaneous interpretation
Simultaneous interpretation involves the interpreter producing target-language output concurrently with the speaker, typically from an isolated booth at conferences.
Question 6: Relay interpretation is used when:
- No interpreter covers the language pair directly, so one language serves as a pivot (Correct answer)
- The event is too large for a single simultaneous interpreter
- The interpreter is not available in person and works remotely
- The subject matter is too technical for one interpreter alone
Correct answer: No interpreter covers the language pair directly, so one language serves as a pivot
Relay interpretation uses a pivot language (e.g., English) when a direct interpreter between two rare languages is unavailable.
Question 7: What does 'register' mean in the context of interpretation?
- The level of formality and style appropriate to a given communicative context (Correct answer)
- The speed at which a speaker delivers their message
- The volume setting on interpretation equipment
- A list of accredited interpreters maintained by NAATI
Correct answer: The level of formality and style appropriate to a given communicative context
Register refers to the formal, informal, technical, or colloquial style of language, which interpreters must match in the target language.
NAATI Interpretation Techniques and Methods 3
Which note-taking symbol system is most widely recommended for consecutive interpretation training?