Interrogation with an interpreter

Interrogating through an interpreter is more time consuming because the interpreter must repeat everything said by both the interrogator and the source, and the interpreter must be briefed by the interrogator before the interrogation can begin. An interrogation with an interpreter will go through all five phases of the interrogation process. After the interrogation is over, the interrogator will evaluate the interpreter.

Methods of Interpretation

During the planning and preparation phase, the interrogator selects a method of interpretation. There are two methods: the simultaneous and the alternate. The interrogator obtains information about his interpreter from the senior interrogator. He analyzes this information and talks to the interpreter before deciding which method to use. With the simultaneous method, the interpreter listens and translates at the same time as the person for whom he is interpreting, usually just a phrase or a few words behind. With the alternate method, the interpreter listens to an entire phrase, sentence, or paragraph. He then translates it during natural pauses in the interrogation. The simultaneous method should only be selected if all of the following criteria are met:

• The sentence structure of the target language is parallel to English.

• The interpreter can understand and speak both English and the target language with ease.

• The interpreter has any required special vocabulary skills for the topics to be covered.

• The interpreter can easily imitate the interrogator's tone of voice and attitude for the approaches selected.

• Neither the interrogator nor the interpreter tends to get confused when using the simultaneous method of interpretation.

• If any of the criteria listed above cannot be met, the interrogator must use the alternate method. The alternate method should also be used whenever a high degree of precision is required.

3. Answer the following questions:

a) Are there two methods of interpretation? Which are they?

b) What are the duties of interrogator with the simultaneous method?

c) Is the sentence structure of the target language parallel to English?

These sentences are not true. Correct them.

a) The interpreted hasn’t any required special vocabulary skills for the topics to be covered.

b) The interpreter can difficulty imitate the interrogator’s tone.

c) The alternate method should be used whenever a high degree of precision is not required.

5. Complete the following sentences:

a) The interrogator obtains…

b) The interpreted can…

c) Neither the interrogator…

6. Give English equivalents for:

переводчик

дознаватель

процесс допроса

метод интерпретации

выбор метода

одновременный метод

чередующийся метод

получать информацию

критерий

структура предложения

высокая степень

Text 8

1. Translate these words and word-combinations:

conduct

interrogator

correct

violate

inject

key manner

major correction

submit

senior interrogator

interrogator site

temporarily

initial contact

rapport

questioning phase

termination phase

to be conveyed

2. Read and translate the text:

Conduct the Interrogation.

During the interrogation, the interrogator corrects the interpreter if he violates any of the standards on which he was briefed. For example, if the interpreter injects his own ideas into the interrogation, he must be corrected. Corrections should be made in a low?key manner. At no time should the interrogator rebuke his interpreter sternly or loudly while they are with the source. The interrogator should never argue with the interpreter in the presence of the source. If a major correction must be made, and only when it is necessary, the interrogator and interpreter should leave the interrogation site temporarily.

When initial contact is made with the source, the interpreter must instruct him to maintain eye contact with the interrogator. Since both rapport and control must be established, the interpreter's ability to closely imitate the attitude, behavior, and tone of voice used by both the interrogator and the source is especially important. The questioning phase is conducted in the same way that it would be if no interpreter was used.

During the termination phase, the interpreter's ability to closely imitate the interrogator and the source is again very important. The approaches used are reinforced here, and the necessary sincerity and conviction must be conveyed to the source.

The interpreter assists the interrogator in preparing reports. He may be able to fill in gaps and unclear" areas in the interrogator's notes. He may also assist in transliterating, translating, and explaining foreign terms.

Following the submission of all reports, the interrogator evaluates the performance of his interpreter. The evaluation must cover the same points of information that the interrogator received from the senior interrogator. The interrogator submits the results of his evaluation to the senior interrogator. The senior interrogator uses this evaluation to update the information he has about the interpreter. This evaluation may also be used in developing training programs for interpreters.

3. Answer the following questions:

a) What does the interrogator do during the interrogation?

b) What must the interpreter do when initial contact is made with the source?

c) Does the interrogator submit the results of his evaluation to the senior interrogator?