MEDICAL INTERPRETER TOPIC 1
ROLES OF THE MEDICAL
INTERPRETER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Role of Culture Broker: Why is it needed? - Answer-Culture and language are inseparable.
Concepts and words sometimes exist in one language but not another.
Finding equivalent expressions is complex.
Cultural beliefs about health and illness around the world vary significantly from the biomedical
perspective.
Many traditional health beliefs, practices, and healers lack equivalent terms.
Patients/providers may perceive remarks as culturally inappropriate. This occurs even though
no disrespect was intended by either party. It happens more frequently when patient and
provider do not share a common understanding of illness and medical treatment.
Role of Culture Broker: How is the role performed? - Answer-When there is evidence that any of
the parties maybe confused by cultural differences, interpreters need to:
1. Interrupt the communication process with a word, comment, or a gesture
2. Alert both parties to potential miscommunication or misunderstanding (Interpreters may say,
for example, "As an interpreter, I think that there may be potential danger for
miscommunication/ misunderstanding....")
3. Suggest cultural concerns that could be impeding mutual understanding
4. Assist the patient in explaining the cultural concept to the provider, or the provider in
explaining the biomedical concept. When requested, interpreters also need to explain the
cultural custom, health belief or practice of the patient to the provider, or educate the patient on
the biomedical concept.
Role of Patient Advocate: Definition - Answer-An individual patient's health and well-being is at
the heart of the patient advocate role. Healthcare interpreters enter into the patient advocate
role when they actively support change in the interest of patient health and wellbeing.
Interpreters require a clear rationale for the need to advocate on behalf of patients.
ROLES OF THE MEDICAL
INTERPRETER EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Role of Culture Broker: Why is it needed? - Answer-Culture and language are inseparable.
Concepts and words sometimes exist in one language but not another.
Finding equivalent expressions is complex.
Cultural beliefs about health and illness around the world vary significantly from the biomedical
perspective.
Many traditional health beliefs, practices, and healers lack equivalent terms.
Patients/providers may perceive remarks as culturally inappropriate. This occurs even though
no disrespect was intended by either party. It happens more frequently when patient and
provider do not share a common understanding of illness and medical treatment.
Role of Culture Broker: How is the role performed? - Answer-When there is evidence that any of
the parties maybe confused by cultural differences, interpreters need to:
1. Interrupt the communication process with a word, comment, or a gesture
2. Alert both parties to potential miscommunication or misunderstanding (Interpreters may say,
for example, "As an interpreter, I think that there may be potential danger for
miscommunication/ misunderstanding....")
3. Suggest cultural concerns that could be impeding mutual understanding
4. Assist the patient in explaining the cultural concept to the provider, or the provider in
explaining the biomedical concept. When requested, interpreters also need to explain the
cultural custom, health belief or practice of the patient to the provider, or educate the patient on
the biomedical concept.
Role of Patient Advocate: Definition - Answer-An individual patient's health and well-being is at
the heart of the patient advocate role. Healthcare interpreters enter into the patient advocate
role when they actively support change in the interest of patient health and wellbeing.
Interpreters require a clear rationale for the need to advocate on behalf of patients.
