1. CONFIDENTIALITY

Interpreters treat all information gained during the interpretation assignment as confidential.

 

2. ACCURACY

Interpreters transmit the message in a thorough and faithful manner, conveying the content, spirit and meaning of what is said. A word for word interpretation may not convey the intended idea. Interpreters interpret in the first person reserving the use of the third person for their own interventions. Interpreters identify and correct errors as soon as possible. Upon recognising a communication misunderstanding, interpreters request direction from the parties involved.

 

3. COMPLETENESS

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

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4. NON-JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE

The interpreter’s function is to facilitate communication. Interpreters are not responsible for what is said by anyone for whom they are interpreting.

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5. IMPARTIALITY

Interpreters do not advocate, mediate, or speak on behalf of either party. Interpreters 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.

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6. CLIENT SELF-DETERMINATION

Interpreters may be asked by the client for their opinion. When this happens, interpreters will repeat information provided by the other party that will assist the client in making his or her own decision. Interpreters will not influence the opinion of any client by telling/advising him/her what action to take.

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7. ACCEPTANCE OF ASSIGNMENTS

If an interpreter’s level of competency or personal sentiments make it difficult to abide by any of the above conditions, they will decline or withdraw from the assignment.

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8. PROFESSIONALISM

1. Interpreters ensure their role and obligations are understood by all parties.

2. Interpreters perform their duties as unobtrusively as possible.

3. Interpreters do not promote personal interests while on assignment and do not accept gifts or secondary remuneration above and beyond the set fees.

4. Interpreters are punctual, respectful, courteous, prepared, and dressed in an appropriate manner.

5. Interpreters seek to further their knowledge and skills, both in preparation for specific assignments and through continuing studies and training.

6. Interpreters bring to the attention of an appropriate person, any circumstance or condition that impedes full compliance with any principle of this Code, including fatigue, inability to hear or inadequate knowledge of specialised terminology. Interpreters decline assignments under conditions that make such compliance impossible.