In the five-step mediation process, which is the second step?

• A. Interpret what was just said.
• B. Identify yourself as the interpreter.
• C. Mediate briefly.
• D. Resume interpreting.

Answer: (B)

In mediation within interpreting, establishing your role upfront is essential for clear, respectful communication. The second step is to identify yourself as the interpreter. By stating who you are, you set clear expectations about your duties: you will interpret everything said, you remain neutral, and you are there to facilitate understanding rather than advocate for either party. This clarification helps all participants know who is guiding the exchange and ensures the language bridge is understood to be separate from the content of what’s being said. After this, the process moves toward brief mediation to set ground rules, and then you resume interpreting. Interpreting what was just said would occur within the ongoing language exchange, not as a mediation function, and resuming interpreting comes after the mediation has addressed the issue.