BU Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) Practice Test

Effective interpreting with hearing clients requires tailoring communication to the individual. The education level of the client guides how you simplify or expand terms, adjust vocabulary, and pace explanations so the message is understandable without being condescending. The client’s familiarity with Deaf culture informs which terms you choose and whether you provide cultural context, helping prevent confusion and ensuring respectful, accurate navigation of differences. The client’s immediate preferences shape how the information is delivered—such as preferred modality, signing style, and use of visual aids—so the session feels comfortable and collaborative. Taking all these aspects into account supports clear, accurate communication and honors the client’s needs and autonomy.