NIC Simultaneous Interpreting 2

Question 1

What is the typical lag time (décalage) an interpreter maintains behind the source speaker during simultaneous interpreting?

Accepted Answer

1–3 seconds

Answer

A lag of 1–3 seconds allows the interpreter to process enough meaning before rendering the target language.

Question 2

Which cognitive skill is MOST critical for an interpreter to sustain simultaneous interpreting over a long session?

Accepted Answer

Divided attention

Answer

Divided attention — processing incoming speech while simultaneously producing output — is the core cognitive demand of simultaneous interpreting.

Question 3

During a fast-paced simultaneous interpreting assignment, a speaker uses an unfamiliar technical acronym. What is the best immediate strategy?

Accepted Answer

Render the acronym as heard and continue interpreting

Answer

Rendering the acronym as heard maintains the flow while signaling to the audience that the term needs context.

Question 4

An interpreter notices the source speaker is reading from a prepared text faster than normal. What is the most effective adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Compress non-essential information to keep pace

Answer

Compressing peripheral content while preserving core meaning is a recognized coping strategy for high-speed delivery.

Question 5

In simultaneous interpreting at a legal proceeding, the interpreter hears the speaker self-correct mid-sentence. What should the interpreter do?

Accepted Answer

Interpret both and note the self-correction

Answer

In legal settings, accuracy demands that both the error and the self-correction be conveyed so the record reflects what actually occurred.

(NIC) National Interpreter Certification Practice Test