What Makes a Great Interpreter? Skills, Ethics & Professionalism

In a multicultural and multilingual society like New Zealand, interpreters are essential for ensuring clear communication across languages and cultures. Whether in healthcare, legal settings, education, or government services, a great interpreter does far more than translate words. They facilitate understanding, build trust, and uphold professional standards.

Interpreters play a critical role in bridging communication gaps, especially in high-stakes environments where accuracy and empathy are paramount. At Decypher, we have a team of over 230 professional interpreters covering more than 60 languages, supporting communities and organizations across Aotearoa.

Core Skills of a Great Interpreter:

To deliver high-quality interpreting service, professionals must master a range of skills beyond bilingual fluency including: language proficiency, active listening and retention, effective notetaking and cultural competence.

Language Proficiency

A great interpreter is fluent in both the source and target languages, including regional dialects, idioms, and cultural expressions. This ensures accurate and contextually appropriate communication.

Active Listening and Retention

Interpreters must listen attentively and retain information quickly, especially in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting scenarios. Strong memory and concentration are key to delivering seamless interpretations.

Effective Notetaking

Using structured notetaking techniques helps interpreters capture essential details without interrupting the flow of conversation. This is particularly important in long sessions or complex discussions.

Cultural Competence

Understanding cultural norms, values, and sensitivities allows interpreters to convey meaning, not just words. Cultural awareness helps avoid miscommunication and fosters mutual respect.

Ethics and Professionalism in Interpreting:

Professional interpreters adhere to strict ethical standards to maintain trust, confidentiality, and impartiality. These principles are especially vital in sensitive settings such as hospitals, courts, and social services.

Confidentiality

All interpreted information must remain confidential. Interpreters are entrusted with sensitive data and must always protect it.

Accuracy and Fidelity

A great interpreter delivers complete and faithful renditions of spoken content, without omissions, additions, or personal bias.

Impartiality

Remaining neutral is essential. Interpreters must avoid expressing personal opinions or influencing the conversation.

Professional Conduct

Punctuality, preparation, and respectful behavior are non-negotiable. Interpreters represent not only themselves but also the organizations they work with.

Continuous Learning and Certification

The interpreting profession is dynamic, requiring ongoing education and skill development. In New Zealand, organizations like the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) membership, workshops, and networking opportunities.

At Decypher, we support our interpreters with:

• Monthly professional development workshops

• NZSTI membership fee coverage

• Supervised interpreting and mentoring

• Free professional counselling

• Quarterly networking lunches and annual events

• And other networking opportunities

Staying current with terminology, legal updates, and cultural shifts ensures interpreters remain effective and confident in their roles.

Conclusion:

A great interpreter is a skilled communicator, cultural mediator, and ethical professional. At Decypher, we are proud to work with interpreters who embody these qualities and uphold the highest standards in language services.

Whether you're a government agency, healthcare provider, non-profit, or business, working with qualified interpreters ensures your message is heard and understood.

Looking for professional interpreting services in New Zealand?

At Decypher we offer the following services:

• Face-to-face interpreting

• Telephone interpreting

• Video interpreting

• Document and multi-media translation

Contact Decypher today to learn how we can support your communication needs.

Phone: 07 853 0480 (24/7)

Email: info@decypher.co.nz