Primary purpose of mediation?

• A. Add extra details to clarify the speakers' intent.
• B. Remove a communication barrier.
• C. Replace the content with your own message.
• D. Pause interpreting for a break.

Answer: (B)

Mediation focuses on removing barriers to understanding so everyone can grasp what’s being communicated. In interpreting, that means bridging language and cultural gaps by clarifying terms, concepts, or cultural references in a way that preserves the speaker’s meaning and intent. It’s about making the message accessible, not about adding new details or substituting your own message.

Adding extra details can risk changing or expanding what was said. Replacing the content with your own message would distort who is communicating. Pausing for a break is a logistical action, not a mediation goal.