In mediation, when should you not intervene?

• A. Mediate anyway to keep the session moving.
• B. If the act of interpreting would solve the problem on its own.
• C. Only after you gather everyone's consent.
• D. If the interpreter is fluent in both languages.

Answer: (B)

Interpreters in mediation must remain neutral conduits for language, not problem-solvers or negotiators. If the barrier is simply understanding what is being said, providing a faithful translation is enough; intervening to influence the outcome would alter the dynamics of the mediation and shift responsibility away from the participants and the mediator. The interpreter’s job is to ensure accurate meaning, not to guide the discussion or advocate for a side. Being fluent in both languages doesn’t justify stepping in, because neutrality and boundaries are essential to fair communication. Brief clarifications to preserve accuracy are appropriate, but they should not change content or steer the negotiation.