language in which the interpreter is perfectly fluent, but which is not a mother tongue. An interpreter can work into this language from one or several of their other working languages. It is also considered an active language for the interpreter (glossary, AIIC website).

which the interpreter understands perfectly but into which they do not work. They will interpret from this language into their active languages. It is therefore a passive language for the interpreter (glossary, AIIC website).

the A language can be distinguished from the B language by a near-absence of grammatical and syntactical errors, the absence of a non-native accent, the ability to express ideas with great simplicity, clarity and fluency, and a rich and flexible style – all qualities are necessary to match any speaker’s oratory skill. The B language can be distinguished from the C language by a greater and more precise vocabulary, the ability to understand and produce a variety of idiomatic expressions and collocations, as well as cultural references and metaphors – all qualities necessary to render a message accurately and smoothly for the listener when a retour is needed (Loiseau & Luchner, 2021, p. 485).