Glossary

Interpreting glossary

Plain-English definitions of the terms interpreting agencies, interpreters, and clients run into every day.

ASL

American Sign Language

A complete, natural language expressed through hand movements, facial expressions, and body posture — used primarily in the U.S. and parts of Canada by Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Consecutive Interpreting

A mode where the interpreter listens to a segment of speech, then renders it in the target language after the speaker pauses.

Simultaneous Interpreting

A mode where the interpreter renders the message in the target language at virtually the same time as the speaker.

Sight Translation

The oral rendering of a written document into a spoken language, read aloud by the interpreter in real time.

Relay Interpreting

One interpreter works from the source language into a common language, and a second renders it into the final target language.

Whispered Interpreting

Also called chuchotage — the interpreter quietly renders speech simultaneously for one or two listeners, without equipment.

VRI

Video Remote Interpreting

Remote interpreting over video, where the interpreter can see and be seen by the participants.

OPI

Over-the-Phone Interpreting

Remote interpreting by telephone, where the interpreter joins a call to interpret between parties.

LEP

Limited English Proficiency

Describes individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, or understand it.

IEP

Individualized Education Program

A written plan for each public-school child eligible for special education — IEP meetings often require interpreters.

IME

Independent Medical Examination

A medical evaluation by a physician who has not previously treated the patient, often used in insurance and legal contexts.

Certified Interpreter

An interpreter who has passed a recognized certification exam demonstrating competency in a language pair or specialty.

Source & Target Language

The source language is what is interpreted from; the target language is what it is interpreted into.

Modality

The delivery method of an assignment — on-site (in person), video (VRI), or phone (OPI).

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