Ethics In Public Service Interpreting: A Comprehensive Guide for Language Professionals

Public service interpreting is a highly specialized field that requires interpreters to have a deep understanding of the ethical principles that govern their work. These principles are essential for ensuring that interpreters provide fair, accurate, and impartial services to their clients.

Ethics in Public Service Interpreting

by Adriana Kritter

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages
Hardcover	:	332 pages
Lexile measure	:	1500L
Item Weight	:	1.3 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches

FREE

This comprehensive guide will provide you with an overview of the ethical principles that are most relevant to public service interpreters. We will discuss the importance of confidentiality, impartiality, and conflict of interest. We will also provide guidance on how to resolve ethical dilemmas and how to file a complaint against an interpreter who has violated the code of ethics.

The Importance of Ethics in Public Service Interpreting

Ethics are essential for ensuring that public service interpreters provide fair, accurate, and impartial services to their clients. When interpreters adhere to ethical principles, they help to build trust between the public and the institutions that they serve.

The following are some of the benefits of adhering to ethical principles:

• Promotes public trust
• Protects the rights of clients
• Ensures the accuracy and fairness of interpreting services
• Prevents conflicts of interest
• Provides guidance for resolving ethical dilemmas

The Code of Ethics for Public Service Interpreters

The code of ethics for public service interpreters is a set of principles that guides the conduct of interpreters in their professional lives. The code of ethics is based on the following core values:

• Confidentiality
• Impartiality
• Conflict of interest
• Accuracy
• Objectivity

The code of ethics requires interpreters to:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all information that they learn in the course of their work. Interpreters must not disclose any information about their clients, their cases, or their personal lives without their consent.
• Be impartial and objective in their work. Interpreters must not allow their personal biases or preferences to influence their interpreting. They must interpret accurately and fairly, even when they disagree with the views of their clients.
• Avoid conflicts of interest. Interpreters must not accept assignments that would create a conflict of interest. For example, an interpreter should not interpret for a family member or friend. They should also not accept assignments that would require them to interpret for a client who they have previously represented in a different capacity.
• Provide accurate and timely interpreting services. Interpreters must have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide accurate and timely interpreting services. They must also be able to adapt their interpreting to the needs of their clients.

Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which an interpreter is faced with a choice between two or more ethical principles. For example, an interpreter may be asked to interpret for a client who is lying to the police. The interpreter may feel that they have a duty to confidentiality, but they may also feel that they have a duty to report the crime.

When faced with an ethical dilemma, interpreters should consider the following factors:

• The ethical principles that are involved
• The potential consequences of each choice
• Their own personal values

Interpreters should also consult with their supervisors or other colleagues when they are faced with an ethical dilemma.

Filing a Complaint Against an Interpreter

If you believe that an interpreter has violated the code of ethics, you can file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory body. The complaint should be in writing and should include the following information:

• The name of the interpreter
• The date and time of the alleged violation
• A description of the alleged violation
• Any witnesses to the alleged violation
• A copy of any relevant documents

The regulatory body will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

Public service interpreting is a demanding profession that requires interpreters to have a deep understanding of the ethical principles that govern their work. By adhering to these principles, interpreters can help to build trust between the public and the institutions that they serve.

Ethics in Public Service Interpreting

by Adriana Kritter

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1636 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages
Hardcover	:	332 pages
Lexile measure	:	1500L
Item Weight	:	1.3 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.5 x 1 x 9.5 inches

FREE