In interpreting, what is "role clarification"?

Role clarification is an essential practice in interpreting that involves ensuring all parties involved in the communication are aware of the interpreter's role and boundaries. This process is crucial because it establishes the expectations for the interaction, including what the interpreter will and will not do during the interpretation.

By clarifying the interpreter's role, all parties can better understand how the communication will flow, preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that everyone knows the interpreter is a neutral party, whose objective is to convey messages accurately without taking sides or adding personal input. This helps safeguard the integrity of the interpretation process and fosters an atmosphere of trust among the individuals involved.

The other choices, while related to aspects of interpretation, do not address the core concept of role clarification in the same way. Outlining technical aspects, for instance, pertains more to the mechanics of interpreting rather than to interpersonal dynamics and expectations. Explaining goals of the meeting focuses on the content rather than the interpreter's function, and defining relationships among participants relates more to the context of the interaction rather than the interpreter's role itself. Hence, the emphasis on clarifying roles is paramount for effective communication in interpreting settings.