Medical Interpreter Topic 1 Roles of the
Medical Interpreter Exam Questions and
Answers
Role of Conduit/Message Converter: Definition - Answer-Interpreters:
listen to both speakers
observe body language
convert the meaning of all messages from one language to another without unnecessary
additions, deletions, or changes in meaning
Role of Conduit/Message Converter: How is this role performed? - Answer-Interpreters must:
Manage the flow of communication between all the parties present.
HOW?
Intervene (verbally or nonverbally) when parties speak too fast or fail to allow the interpreter
time to interpret.
Manage turn-taking, indicating to individuals speaking at the same time that they will be heard in
sequential order or that a party must be allowed to finish speaking.
Role of Clarifier: Definition - Answer-Interpreters:
are alert for possible words or concepts that might lead to a misunderstanding.
Role of Clarifier: How is the role performed? - Answer-When there is evidence that any of the
parties may be confused, interpreters may need to:
1. Interrupt the communication process
2. Alert the parties that the interpreter is seeing signs of confusion from one or more of the
parties and identify the confusing word or concept.
3. Request or assist the speaker of a word or concept unfamiliar to the listener or interpreter to
restate the unfamiliar word or concept in a simpler way.
4. Explore ways to assist speakers to describe concepts using analogies, or "word pictures"
when there are no linguistic equivalents in either language.
Medical Interpreter Exam Questions and
Answers
Role of Conduit/Message Converter: Definition - Answer-Interpreters:
listen to both speakers
observe body language
convert the meaning of all messages from one language to another without unnecessary
additions, deletions, or changes in meaning
Role of Conduit/Message Converter: How is this role performed? - Answer-Interpreters must:
Manage the flow of communication between all the parties present.
HOW?
Intervene (verbally or nonverbally) when parties speak too fast or fail to allow the interpreter
time to interpret.
Manage turn-taking, indicating to individuals speaking at the same time that they will be heard in
sequential order or that a party must be allowed to finish speaking.
Role of Clarifier: Definition - Answer-Interpreters:
are alert for possible words or concepts that might lead to a misunderstanding.
Role of Clarifier: How is the role performed? - Answer-When there is evidence that any of the
parties may be confused, interpreters may need to:
1. Interrupt the communication process
2. Alert the parties that the interpreter is seeing signs of confusion from one or more of the
parties and identify the confusing word or concept.
3. Request or assist the speaker of a word or concept unfamiliar to the listener or interpreter to
restate the unfamiliar word or concept in a simpler way.
4. Explore ways to assist speakers to describe concepts using analogies, or "word pictures"
when there are no linguistic equivalents in either language.
