CILISAT - Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tools Ethics and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a medical appointment, a client you are interpreting for tells you they are not taking their prescribed medication because they believe a traditional herbal remedy is more effective.
The doctor seems concerned about this.
What is the interpreter's most appropriate action based on the principle of impartiality?

Accepted Answer

Accurately interpret the client's statement to the doctor and the doctor's response to the client without adding any personal opinions or advice.

Answer

Encourage the client to follow the doctor's prescription to ensure their well-being.

Answer

Inform the doctor that in the client's culture, traditional remedies are often trusted more than modern medicine.

Answer

Suggest a compromise where the client can take both the prescribed medication and the herbal remedy.

Question 2

An interpreter arrives at a legal aid clinic for an assignment and realizes the client is their next-door neighbor. According to professional ethics, what is the first step the interpreter should take?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the conflict of interest to all parties involved and offer to withdraw from the assignment.

Answer

Proceed with the interpretation but make a mental note to remain extra impartial.

Answer

Ask the neighbor not to reveal their relationship to the legal aid provider.

Answer

Complete the assignment and then report the potential conflict of interest to the agency.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a community interpreter regarding professional development?

Accepted Answer

To engage in ongoing learning to maintain and enhance their skills and knowledge.

Answer

Once certified, no further training is necessary as skills have been formally assessed.

Answer

To attend training only when a specific new type of assignment is offered.

Answer

To focus solely on improving vocabulary in their working languages.

Question 4

During an interpretation for social services, a client becomes very emotional and reveals information about a situation that is not directly related to the reason for the appointment. The interpreter is ethically obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Interpret everything the client says, as it is part of the communication.

Answer

Summarize the emotional parts to save time and keep the meeting focused.

Answer

Stop the client and advise them to only discuss topics relevant to the appointment.

Answer

Only interpret the information that the interpreter deems important for the service provider.

Question 5

After a difficult and lengthy interpretation session at a hospital, the client's grateful family offers the interpreter a cash 'tip' of $50. Which action aligns with the CILISAT code of professional conduct?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the gift, explaining that the professional code of ethics does not permit accepting additional compensation.

Answer

Accept the tip, as it is a token of appreciation for a job well done.

Answer

Accept the money but donate it to the hospital's foundation.

Answer

Suggest they use the money to buy a coffee for the nursing staff instead.

Question 6

The ethical principle of 'Confidentiality' requires an interpreter to treat all information learned during an assignment as private. This obligation is waived only when:

Accepted Answer

The interpreter is ordered by a court of law to disclose the information.

Answer

The interpreter discusses the case with another interpreter for training purposes, without using names.

Answer

The information is related to a minor crime that the interpreter believes is not serious.

Answer

The service provider asks for the interpreter's opinion on the client's situation after the session.