Is there a Code of Ethics for Professional Interpreters?

Professional interpreters are expected to know source and target languages as well as complying with national and international ethics set by industry leaders. While there are various translator and interpreter associations that set their own Code of Ethics, members are expected to follow the standards of the associations in which they belong. In the medical field, interpreters must comply with provisions on privacy set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Here are more deals about ethics for professional interpreters.

International Code of Ethics

The International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI) is an association based in Argentina that sets these codes on a worldwide level. American linguist Noam Chomsky is one of the organization’s honorary members. In order to maintain your status as an IAPTI member, you must comply with all its regulations and avoid any conduct that may harm the organization’s image. One of your top responsibilities as a member is to execute interpretation thoroughly and responsibly for all your clients.

Here are other obligations to remember:

• accept jobs only if you can guarantee an appropriate high quality standard for clients
• stay updated and informed with everything involving your performance and profession
• avoid actions that may be detrimental to the public interest, the law or the industry
• respect client confidentiality and only disclose information to others with permission from clients

Not only must you respect the interests of your clients, you must also protect the interests of the industry. That means defending your right to compensation while offering high quality services. You are not allowed to engage in unfair competition in your region by undercutting the fair market value of services in an attempt to take business from competitors. You must also avoid accepting jobs in which you are unable to meet the deadline. While you may accept volunteer work from non-profit organizations, you must disclose to them the fair market value of your services. If you observe colleagues violating any of these rules, you must report them to the IAPTI.

American Code of Ethics

In the United States the largest interpreter association is the American Translators Association (ATA), which is affiliated with the International Federation of Translators. The ATA is based in Alexandria, Virginia and has 11,000 members, which represent a broad range of industries, coming from tech, medical, educational and government organizations. The association includes an ethics committee, which shapes professional standards for its members.

The number one ethical code listed by the ATA involves conveying meaning between different cultures in an accurate and impartial way. Interpretation cannot be based on assumptions, as the interpreter must make a solid effort to convert a language to its intended meaning as closely as possible. The interpreter must also commit to keeping confidential information private.

Here are other key points for interpreters to remember that the ATA Board of Directors has approved for its Code of Ethics:

• honestly represent ATA qualifications, capabilities and responsibilities
• enhance capabilities through continued education in language, relevant industry and professional practice
• share knowledge and experience in a collegial manner
• mutually define terms of business transactions in advance
• ask for and offer appropriate compensation according to abilities
• engage in good faith when resolving disputes

Additionally, interpreters must keep in mind that any failure to follow this Code of Ethics will be harmful to the ATA and clients. Following this professional practice guide will help the industry and your credibility as an interpreter. You are expected to translate expressions word-for-word and in some cases must provide explanations when exact translations cannot be made. You are not expected to make judgments about objectionable language.