NCJ Number
138302
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 83-91
Date Published
1991
Length
9 pages
Annotation
As the number of U.S. residents fluent in foreign languages continues to grow, the need will arise for polygraph examiners to conduct their examinations through an interpreter.
Abstract
The use of an interpreter can help the examinee provide information through word choice and nonverbal behavior and can facilitate the smooth proceeding of the interview. Misunderstandings, caused by limited vocabularies, imprecise meanings, confusing inflection, and cultural or regional differences, can be eliminated. To be qualified, the interpreter must be fluent in both languages, be intelligent and educated, lack any physical or speech traits that could prove distracting, and should have experience in translating. The examiner should instruct the interpreter about polygraph theory and procedures, covering the function of the polygraph instrument, the psychophysiological theory of polygraph examination, rules for question formulation, definitions of technical terminology, and principles involved in conducting the examination. During the examination, the examinee must be directed not to talk to the interpreter, whose only job is to read the prepared forms to the examinee and to translate the examiner's questions. 5 references