Rules For Consecutive Interpreting - State Court Interpreting Exam

Joe Hernandez, a certified interpreter with over 20 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of following the rules for consecutive interpreting to succeed in oral exams. The consecutive portion can be challenging due to numerous rules that must be adhered to during interpretation.

When interpreting, it is crucial not to interrupt the speaker. Both the question and answer should be completed before starting interpretation. It's important to listen attentively without attempting mental interpretation until the entire message is heard.

Ensure the message remains unchanged in terms of thoughts when conveyed multiple times.

Commit to the message, ensuring nothing is left out or omitted. The interpretation must mirror the original message in its entirety without any exclusions.

Interpreting a message without altering its meaning is crucial, referred to as 'number four.' Consistency in interpreting messages accurately requires constant practice. The key is to maintain the original message received and interpret it faithfully.

Using the formal 'you' in a language is important, especially when addressing someone with respect. It is strictly prohibited to use the informal 'you' form when interacting formally.

During the exercise, take brief notes only on consecutive information provided. Use a writing utensil and paper to jot down concrete details like names, descriptions, colors, numbers (e.g., Social Security), years, and addresses for accuracy in message recall.

Avoid making any extraneous noises like 'ah', 'um', or other sounds not spoken by the speaker. Only repeat words if they were said by the speaker, do not add unnecessary filler words.

Avoid double interpretations and eliminate extraneous noises from the interpreter. Provide a one-word interpretation for each word heard in the market.

Maintain the same level of sophistication in your language as the speaker. Adjust your vocabulary and tone to match theirs, whether it is sophisticated or simple.

When interpreting, it is crucial to project professionalism by speaking slowly, clearly, and confidently. Remember that you will be recorded throughout the test while interpreting from recordings. Ensure your voice is clear and audible during the entire testing period.

When interpreting, it is crucial to speak clearly and confidently. If unsure of a word's interpretation, making an educated guess is necessary. Leaving out or keeping the same language for a word without interpretation is considered incorrect.

In idiomatic expressions, providing the equivalent expression is essential for conveying meaning without explanation. For example, 'it cost me an arm and a leg' replaces 'it was very expensive.' This practice is crucial in tests and real-life scenarios.

Filler words used by a speaker should be interpreted as meaningful expressions, not just extraneous noises. Words like 'well,' 'you know,' and 'okay' carry significance in communication and must be translated accordingly.

Remember to interpret the message in the same language you heard it. If you hear a message in English, remember that and interpret it into Spanish or vice versa during the test. Failing to do so will result in no points awarded by the Proctor.

When translating from English to Spanish, it is crucial to remember the gender of all speakers. This includes distinguishing between 'he' and 'she' in both languages. For example, when someone is sick in English ('he is sick', 'she is sick'), this distinction must be accurately translated into Spanish based on the speaker's gender.

Remembering the gender in the story is crucial for understanding. Pay attention to details like pronouns and roles assigned based on gender to interpret events accurately.

Interpret all profanity without using euphemisms. Profanity remains strong and vulgar regardless of the terms used.

Conversions are interpreted the same way regardless of units used, such as pesos or kilos. The 24-hour clock is also interpreted without conversion.

Number 19 is crucial. Wait at least two seconds before starting interpretation to ensure the speaker continues without interruption. Begin interpreting within seven seconds after the speaker finishes their question or answer, allowing ample time to complete within a timed exercise of 20-22 minutes.

When asking for repetitions during the exam, you can request them within seven seconds of hearing the question. The interpreter must refer to themselves in third person and ask 'may The Interpreter have a repetition please.' Both questions and answers will be repeated if requested.

Maintaining authenticity and purity in language interpretation is crucial. Mixing Spanish and English, known as Spanglish, is strictly prohibited. The interpreter must ensure that the communication remains consistent in either 100% authentic Spanish or 100% genuine English without any blending of languages.

Concentrate 100, visualize the message, sound self-assured and professional to succeed in obtaining your license based on your performance. Remember these rules for the consecutive exercise.