NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Providing emotional support is not considered an essential attribute for court interpreters, as their primary role is to facilitate communication between parties who speak different languages. Their main responsibilities include accurately interpreting spoken language in real-time during legal proceedings, ensuring that all parties understand and are understood without adding personal emotional context or support.

While excellent listening skills, knowledge of the local culture, and strong verbal communication skills are critical for interpreters to ensure accuracy and clarity in legal settings, emotional support falls outside the fundamental duties of interpreting. Interpreters must remain neutral and maintain professional boundaries, focusing on the effective transfer of information rather than offering psychological or emotional assistance. This distinction highlights the role's focus on linguistic and cultural mediation over emotional involvement.