Interpreter Code of Ethics

International Institute's Interpreter's Code of Ethics

An interpreter is a specially trained professional who renders a message spoken in one language into a second language with consistency and accuracy, and who abides by a code of professional ethics.

The skills of an interpreter include cultural competency and respect for everyone involved, as well as mastery of specific terminology (medical, judicial).

1. Confidentiality
The interpreter must treat all information learned during the interpretation as confidential.

2. Accuracy
The interpreter must transmit the message in a thorough and faithful manner, conveying the content and spirit (meaning) of what is said. A word-for-word interpretation may not convey the intended idea. The interpreter interprets in the first person, reserving the use of the third person for his/her own interventions. The interpreter identifies and corrects errors as soon as possible. Upon recognizing any communication misunderstanding, the interpreter requests direction from the parties involved.

3. Completeness
The interpreter must interpret everything that is said by all people in the interaction, without omitting, adding, condensing or changing anything. Summary interpreting is not permitted. The interpreter advises all parties before the session that everything they say will be interpreted.

4. Non-judgmental attitude about the content to be interpreted
An interpreter's function is to facilitate communication. Interpreters are not responsible for what is said by anyone for whom they are interpreting. Even if the interpreter disagrees with what is said, thinks it wrong, a lie, or even immoral, the interpreter must suspend judgement, make no comment, and interpret everything accurately.

5. Impartiality
The interpreter does not advocate, mediate or speak on behalf of either party. The interpreter shall strive to develop a relationship of trust and respect at all times with the speakers participating in the communication by adopting an attentive, yet impartial and neutral attitude towards them.

6. Client self-determination
The interpreter may be asked by the client for his or her opinion. When this happens, the interpreter should repeat information provided by the other party that will assist the client in making his or her own decision. The interpreter will not influence the opinion of any client by telling/advising him/her what action to take.

7. Acceptance of assignments
If level of competency or personal sentiments make it difficult to abide by any of the above conditions, the interpreter shall decline or withdraw from the assignment.

8. Professionalism
The Interpreter ensures that her/his role and obligations are understood by all parties. The Interpreter performs their duties as unobtrusively as possible. The Interpreter does not promote personal interests while on assignment and shall not receive gifts or secondary remuneration above and beyond the set fees. The interpreter shall be punctual, prepared, and dressed in appropriate manner, as well as being respectful and courteous. The interpreter shall seek to further his/her knowledge and skills, both in preparation for specific assignments and through continuing studies and training. Interpreters bring to the attention of an appropriate person any circumstance or condition that impedes full compliance with any principle in this document, including interpreter fatigue, inability to hear, or inadequate knowledge of specialized terminology, and must decline assignments under conditions that make such compliance impossible.

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