During interpreter-assisted interviews, to whom should questions be directed?

• A. Direct questions to the interpreter.
• B. Let the interpreter decide when to ask questions.
• C. Direct questions to the interviewee; interpreters translate verbatim and maintain confidentiality.
• D. The interpreter should answer questions on behalf of the interviewee.

Answer: (D)

In interpreter-assisted interviews, questions should be directed to the person being interviewed. The interpreter serves as a neutral conduit, translating the questions accurately into the interviewee’s language and conveying the interviewee’s responses back in the original language. This preserves the interviewee’s voice, maintains confidentiality, and keeps the flow of information accurate. The interpreter should not decide when to ask questions or interject with their own inquiries, nor should they answer on behalf of the interviewee. Directing questions to the interviewee ensures that the interview remains focused, precise, and ethically sound.