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Are you an Interpreter or wish to be an Interpreter? If yes just take time to know who’s interpreter and what should she/he looks like?

An interpreter listens to a spoken message in the source language and renders it orally, consecutively or simultaneously, in the target language.

Today we only stick to the Interpreters’ Codes of Ethics

Interpreter Code of Ethics

1. Accuracy

a. Interpreters shall convey the message and tone of the speakers accurately and completely, without adding or deleting anything.

b. Interpreters shall accurately interpret offensive language, obscenities, and sexual terminology and shall maintain composure while interpreting in emotionally charged situations.

c. Interpreters shall seek clarification when needed.

d. Upon recognizing that a communication may have been misunderstood, interpreters may bring the possible misunderstanding to the attention of the provider, who will decide how to resolve it. (Not to be done in legal proceedings.)

2. Confidentiality

a. Interpreters shall keep confidential all assignment-related information and shall not divulge any information obtained through their assignments, including but not limited to information gained through access to documents or other written materials.

3. Impartiality

a. Interpreters shall refrain from accepting an assignment when family, personal or professional relationships affect impartiality.

b. Interpreters shall reveal any relationship with a party that might be perceived as a conflict of interest.

c. Interpreters shall demonstrate respect toward all persons involved in the interpreting situation and shall act in a manner that is neutral, impartial, unbiased and culturally sensitive.

4. Role Boundaries

a. Interpreters shall use first person speech to help facilitate as much direct communication as possible.

b. Interpreters shall maintain proper role boundaries, avoiding all unnecessary contact with the parties during and outside the interpreting situation.

c. Interpreters shall not interject personal opinions or give counsel or advice to individuals for whom they are interpreting.

5. Professionalism

a. Interpreters shall arrive punctually at the appointed location, prepared and dressed appropriately.

b. Interpreters hired by an agency shall not promote their own business directly with the agency’s customers or accept/request gratuities or additional fees from them.

c. Interpreters shall accurately represent their qualifications, training and experience, and shall refrain from accepting assignments for which they are not qualified.

d. Interpreters shall participate in continuing education programs when available.

e. Interpreters seek evaluative feedback in order to improve their performance.

Prepared by Angobiz referred to Dr. Suzanna Zeng, Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies, University of Hawaii