Interpreting Ethics

People who perform interpretation and who violate the trust placed in them do a disservice not only to themselves but to the whole of this growing profession. Since the profession is relatively young, and most of the occasions for people meeting an interpreter on the job are not in the public eye, a single interpreting assignment is an opportunity for enhancing the lay person's view of interpreters and interpretation.

The Code of Ethics for Interpreters of the Deaf, Inc. simply serves as a reminder of this trust, and as an encouragement for professional treatment of professional behavior. The following principles of ethical behavior protect and guide the interpreter/transliterator, the consumers (hearing and deaf/hoh), and the profession as well as ensures for all the right to communicate.

1. Confidentiality - Interpreters shall not reveal information about any assignment, including the fact that the service is being performed. Even seemingly unimportant information could be damaging in the wrong hands. Therefore, to avoid this possibility, interpreters must not say anything about any assignment. In cases where meetings or information becomes a matter of public record, the interpreter shall use discretion in discussing such meetings or information. This includes information about name, gender, age, etc of the consumer, day of week; time of day, time of year the situation took place, location (including city state or agency), other people involved, and basically unnecessary specifics about the situation.

2. Accuracy - The interpreter shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and the spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve. Interpreters are not editors and must transmit everything that is said in exactly the same way it was intended. This is especially difficult when the interpreter disagrees with what is being said or feels uncomfortable when profanity is being used. Interpreters must remember that they are not at all responsible for what is said, only for conveying it accurately. If the interpreter's own feelings interfere with rendering the message accurately, he or she shall withdrawal from the situation.

3. Impartiality - The interpreter shall not counsel, advice, or interject personal opinions. Just as interpreters may not omit anything which is said, they may not add anything to the situation, even when they are asked to do so by other parties involved. An interpreter is only present in a given situation because two or more people have difficulty communicating, and thus the interpreter's only function is to facilitate communication. He/she shall not become personally involved because in doing so, he/she accepts some responsibility for the outcome, which does not rightly belong to the interpreter.

4. Proficiency - The interpreter shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting, and the consumers involved. Interpreters shall only accept assignments for which they are qualified. However, when an interpreter shortage exists and the only available interpreter does not possess the necessary skill for a particular assignment, this situation should be explained to the consumer. If the consumers agree that services are needed regardless of their skill level, then the available interpreter will have to use his/her judgment about accepting or rejecting the assignment. Certain situations may prove uncomfortable for some interpreters and clients. Religious, political, racial or sexual differences, etc., can adversely affect the facilitating task. Therefore, an interpreter shall not accept assignments which he/she knows will involve such situations. Interpreters shall generally refrain from providing services in situations where family members, close personal or professional relationships may affect impartiality, since it is difficult to mask inner feelings. Under these circumstances, especially in legal and medical situations, the ability to prove oneself unbiased when challenged is lessened.

5. Compensation for services - Interpreters shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner. They shall be knowledgeable about fees which are appropriate to the profession, and be informed about the current suggested fee schedule of the national organization. A sliding scale of hourly and daily rates has been established for interpreters in many areas. To determine the appropriate fee, interpreters should know their own level of skill, level of certification, length of experience, nature of the assignment, and the local cost of living index.

6. Discreetness - Interpreters shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation. They shall conduct themselves in such a manner that brings respect to themselves, the consumers, and the national organization. The term 'appropriate manner' refers to: (a) dressing in a manner that is appropriate for skin tone and is not distracting and (b) conducting oneself in all phases of an assignment in a manner befitting a professional.

7. Continuing Education - Interpreters shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interaction with professional colleagues, and reading current literature in the field.