CoreCHI-P key terms

The interpreter speaks after the speaker pauses, reproducing the message in the target language while taking notes. Segments may be short or several minutes long, and accuracy depends on memory, notes, and reformulation.

The interpreter renders the message into the target language while the speaker is still talking, lagging a few seconds behind. It demands divided attention, fast lexical retrieval, and the ability to self-monitor output.

Reading a written text in one language and speaking an accurate rendering in another, usually with little or no preparation. It tests reading comprehension, quick restructuring, and fluent delivery under time pressure.

The delay between hearing a segment of source speech and producing its interpretation. A longer span allows more context but increases memory load; a shorter span is safer but can produce fragmented output.

Repeating source speech aloud in the same language, usually with a short delay, as a training exercise. It builds listening stamina, split attention, and the habit of tracking meaning rather than isolated words.

A personal shorthand of symbols, abbreviations, and links used in consecutive interpreting to cue memory. Notes record ideas and their relationships, not full sentences, and are read back in the target language.

Grouping speech or text into meaningful units so they can be held in memory and reformulated as a whole. It reduces word-for-word transfer and helps produce natural target-language phrasing.

Dividing source speech into logical units such as clauses or idea groups before rendering them. Good segmentation keeps the interpretation coherent and prevents tangled sentences when source and target grammar differ sharply.

Reorganizing sentence structure to fit target-language grammar rather than copying source word order. It is essential when languages differ in verb placement, clause order, or how they express tense and modality.

The level of formality and the style of language suited to a setting, such as a courtroom, clinic, or community meeting. Interpreters match register so the message sounds appropriate to its audience and purpose.

Everyday informal language, including slang, idioms, and regional expressions. Interpreters must convey its meaning and tone without literal transfer that would confuse or misrepresent the speaker.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be derived from its individual words. Interpreters render the intended sense and tone, not the literal wording, and avoid substituting an idiom that changes the image.

The goal of producing a target message that matches the source in meaning, intent, and effect rather than in word count. Equivalence may require adding, omitting, or reordering information to preserve the message.

Faithfulness to the speaker's meaning, intent, and tone, including hedges, uncertainty, and emotion. Fidelity is judged at the level of the whole message, not by literal correspondence of individual words.

Leaving out source content in the target rendering. Unintentional omission is an accuracy error; deliberate omission may be justified only for redundancy, self-correction, or content the listener already has.

Inserting content not present in the source, such as explanation, hedging, or connective words. Some additions are needed for target grammar; others distort the message and count as accuracy errors.

A translation technique that changes word class or grammatical category while keeping meaning, such as turning a noun into a verb. It helps the target read naturally when structures differ between languages.

A literal, word-for-word borrowing of a source expression into the target language. It often produces unnatural or incomprehensible phrasing and is a common error when interpreters follow surface wording.

Rendering each word or phrase directly instead of conveying overall meaning. It preserves surface form but frequently breaks target grammar and idiom, so it is usually a marker of weak interpreting.

The limited mental workspace used to hold and manipulate speech while interpreting. Training and note-taking reduce its load, and fatigue or stress sharply lowers its capacity.

The total mental effort demanded by listening, remembering, translating, and speaking at once. When load exceeds capacity, errors, omissions, and slowdowns increase, so interpreters manage pace and preparation.

Strategies for sustaining accuracy over long assignments, such as breaks, team rotation, hydration, and pacing. Fatigue degrades attention and memory, so managing it is a professional and ethical obligation.

Fixing one's own interpreting error immediately and smoothly in the target language. Quick, clean repair preserves the listener's trust; repeated or unnoticed errors damage accuracy and credibility.

Listening to one's own output while interpreting to catch errors, dropped hedges, or shifts in tone. It is a core simultaneous skill because the interpreter cannot pause the speaker to review.

The degree to which the target message preserves the source content, intent, and tone without distortion. Accuracy is assessed against the full message, including numbers, qualifiers, and negations.

The limits of what an interpreter does, such as interpreting only and not advising, advocating, or making decisions for the parties. Clear boundaries protect neutrality and the accuracy of communication.

Impartial conduct that avoids taking sides, softening, or strengthening any party's message. It does not mean indifference; it means the interpreter conveys each speaker's words and tone without bias.

The duty not to disclose information learned during an assignment except as required by law or agreed with the parties. It builds trust and is a standard ethical obligation in community and legal settings.

A situation where the interpreter's personal, financial, or family ties could bias the work. Interpreters must disclose and decline such assignments to protect accuracy and neutrality.

Speaking as the original speaker, using "I" and the speaker's own words and tone, rather than reporting in the third person. It keeps the exchange direct and avoids shifting responsibility or meaning.

Explaining or adjusting cultural references, norms, or assumptions so each party understands the other. It is done transparently and briefly, and it must not become advice or advocacy.

Acting on behalf of a party, such as recommending services or pressing a request. In interpreting it exceeds the role boundary and threatens neutrality, so it is distinguished from brief cultural clarification.

A short conversation before the assignment to agree on logistics, seating, microphones, expected terminology, and how the interpreter will signal problems. It prevents disruptions and clarifies roles.

Researching subject-specific terms, acronyms, and names before an assignment and building a personal glossary. It raises accuracy and speed, especially in medical, legal, and technical settings.

A prepared list of terms with agreed target-language equivalents, used for consistency and quick recall. Glossaries are built from reliable sources and checked with the client or subject expert when possible.

Two or more interpreters sharing a long or demanding assignment, rotating at set intervals and supporting each other with terminology and corrections. It reduces fatigue and protects accuracy.

Correctly rendering figures, dates, dosages, measurements, and currency, including conversions and plural forms. Numbers are high-risk items because a single slip can change medical, legal, or financial meaning.

Language that softens or limits a claim, such as "might," "apparently," or "in my view." Interpreters must preserve hedging because removing it can turn a cautious statement into a firm assertion.

Correctly carrying negative meaning across languages, including double negatives and negative questions. Errors here reverse the message, so interpreters track scope and grammar carefully rather than word order.