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LECTURE 6 Simultaneous Interpreting

Principles of Professional Ethics in Conference Interpreting

Tips to Interpreters

Code of Professional Ethics

The Code of Professional Ethics is one of the basic texts of an organization, interpreting agency or interpreting service provider/company. Codes set out

fundamental principles which govern the work of the conference interpreters. AIICs Code of Professional Ethics is based on the three fundamental principles of professional secrecy or confidentiality, professionalism and collegiality. In the lecture reference is made to these principles and also

other elements that are helpful to a professional interpreter.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is one of the fundamental principles followed by AIIC

interpreters. They respect the rule of absolute confidentiality in order to protect any information known to them from interference by unauthorized

third parties as well as to protect their own reputation vis--vis other clients. The Code of Professional Ethics lays down the conditions related to

confidentiality in the context of professional secrecy. Interpreters and translators shall not disclose information acquired during

the course of their assignments.

Interpreters may only disclose information with the permission of their

clients (or if the law requires disclosure). If other interpreters or translators are involved in the same

assignment and require briefing, this should be done after obtaining the clients' permissio, and all are obliged to maintain confidentiality.

No work should be subcontracted to colleagues without clients' permission.

Conference materials and documents remain the client's property.

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Professionalism

Professionalism, the second pillar of the Code of Professional Ethics, covers

several elements:

a. The interpreter undertakes to provide a professional service in accordance with his/her training, qualifications, experience, language

combination and preparation. b. The interpreter refuses any offer for which he/she cannot meet the

above criteria.

c. The interpreter strives constantly to improve, in particular, through ongoing, in-depth study of his/her working languages and all

continuing professional training or personal education.

Professionalism, in its broader meaning, can refer to all measures taken by the interpreter to facilitate relations with third parties and in particular,

recruiters. This can cover materials and equipment (calling cards, availability cards, fax, answering machine, e-mail, invoices) as well as attitudes

(courtesy, discretion, prompt replies, etc.).

Collegiality

Along with professional secrecy and professionalism, collegiality is the third

pillar of the Code of Professional Ethics. It covers several concepts:

a. solidarity amongst interpreters, which calls for an attitude of mutual

professional support before and during meetings; b. support for decisions taken by the majority of AIIC members, whilst

respecting the rules of democracy; c. mutual assistance and convivialit during the conference, which

ensures team cohesiveness and the smooth running of the meeting; d. a commitment to refrain from doing anything to tarnish the image of

the profession or the Association; e. a commitment to attempt to resolve disputes amicably;

f. The spirit of collegiality also underpinned the establishment of the Solidarity Fund, which is used to provide financial assistance to AIIC

members who are in difficulty.

Collegiality is closely linked with team spirit. The concept of a team is very

important in conference interpreting. Most conferences use simultaneous interpretation, which means that the interpreter never works alone; he/she

always works with one or more colleagues. It is therefore necessary to ensure not only the proper team strength for the language requirements of

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the meeting, but also the cohesiveness of the team, in order to contribute

actively and positively to the smooth running of the meeting. A dispute is a disagreement between two members is resolved amicably.

Booth Etiquette

Booth etiquette (French convivialit), is an important concept, since

interpreters often have to share a small work space for several hours at a time. This concept covers a myriad of small details that go without saying,

but which can sometimes make all the difference: punctuality, proper

preparation of documents, appropriate dress, personal hygiene, discretion and restraint, co-operation among booth mates, etc. However, getting along

with colleagues does not mean maneuvering for advantage in order to be recruited more often that other colleagues.

TIPS: Interpreters shall:

respect and support their fellow professionals. assist and further the interests of colleagues, refraining from

comments injurious to the reputation of a colleague

promote and enhance the integrity of the profession through trust and

mutual respect. Differences of opinion should be expressed with candour and respect - not by denigration -refraining from behaviour

considered unprofessional by their peers.

Professional Secrecy

Professional secrecy, the first concept in the Code of Professional Ethics, is intended to protect the conference organiser against any leak of confidential

information both during and after the meeting. It also clearly establishes the

independence and neutrality of the interpreter. Professional secrecy is absolute: it remains in effect from the recruitment of the interpreter until

his/her death and applies in all cases. Some laws treat professional secrecy as equivalent to medical confidentiality or the secret of the confessional.

Competence

Interpreters and translators shall undertake only work which they are competent to perform in the language areas for which they are "accredited"

or "recognized".

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Acceptance of an assignment is a declaration of one's competence and

constitutes a contract. If, during an assignment, it becomes clear that the work is beyond the interpreter's competence, they should inform

clients immediately and withdraw. Interpreters must clearly specify their level and language direction, if

necessary explaining its significance to clients. It is the interpreter's responsibility to ensure that working conditions

facilitate communication.

Impartiality

Interpreters shall observe impartiality in all professional contracts.

Professional detachment must be maintained at all times. If interpreters feel their objectivity is threatened, they should withdraw

from the assignment. Practitioners should not recommend to clients anyone or anything in

which they have personal or financial interest. If for some reason they

have to do so they must fully disclose such interest - including assignments for relatives or friends, or which affect their employers.

They should not accept, or should withdraw from, assignments in which impartiality may be risked because of personal beliefs or

circumstances. Interpreters are not responsible for what clients say or write. They

should not voice or write an opinion on anything or anyone concerned with an assignment.

If approached for service by all parties to a legal dispute, an interpreter shall offer to work for the first party making the request

and notify all parties concerned.

Accuracy

Interpreters shall take all reasonable care to be accurate. They shall:

take all reasonable care to faithfully and accurately interpret or translate what is stated in the source language into the target

language, having regard primarily to meaning and secondarily to style, without any paraphrasing, embellishment, omission, explanation, or

expression of opinion, using the same person as in the source language and the closest natural equivalent of the source language.

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relay accurately and completely all that is said by all parties in a

meeting - including derogatory or vulgar remarks, non-verbal clues, and anything they know to be untrue

not alter, add to or omit anything from the messages acknowledge and promptly rectify any interpreting mistakes. If

anything is unclear, interpreters must ask for repetition, rephrasing or explanation. If interpreters have lapses of memory which lead to

inadequate interpreting, they should inform the client, ask for a pause and signal when they are ready to continue.

ensure speech is clearly heard and understood by all present. Where possible (and if agreed to by all parties), interpreters may arrange a

short general conversation with clients beforehand to ensure clear understanding by all

prepare appropriately for assignments and ensure they are completed remain calm, especially if you hear unpleasant or controversial

evidence. Your duty is to remain detached from the evidence you are

interpreting. use direct speech when interpreting. You should not say, "he said

he" this should be interpreted as, "I" interpret language which may be offensive. For cultural reasons,

obscenities may be difficult to translate. In this case you should look for the closest equivalent

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Interpreters shall disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest.

They shall not take personal advantage, financial or otherwise, of

information obtained in the course of their work. As soon as an interpreter becomes aware, for example, of any ties,

whether personal, professional, or other, that the interpreter has or may have with the person with respect to whom he or she is providing

interpretation, the interpreter is required to disclose this fact, without delay, to the organizer or head of the hiring agency or company.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Interpreters shall continually improve their skills and knowledge.

Interpreter shall maintain and improve their Interpreter skills and

knowledge through activities such as professional training or education and interaction with colleagues and specialists in related fields. The

Interpreters shall keep informed of, adhere to, and conform to their practices

shall constantly review and re-evaluate their work performance.

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shall maintain and enhance their skills by study and experience, and

keep up to date with relevant languages and cultures.

PERSONAL INTEGRITY

Interpreters shall:

decline gratuities, gifts and tips favours or any other form of

advantage of any kind from anyone for whom you have interpreted, for whom you are likely (except token gifts customary in some

cultures), explaining to clients that accepting them could compromise their professional integrity

ensure punctuality at all times (and if lateness is unavoidable, advise clients immediately)

DRESS CODE

Interpreters should dress appropriately for the situation.

For example, if the assignment is at an office or conference room, the interpreter is expected to dress smartly to reflect professionalism. In

this occasion it is not preferred to wear: jeans, short shorts or short

skirts, torn or tattered clothing, clothing with inappropriate logos / slogans, low cut shirts, flip-flop sandals, anything that is overly

attractive or distracting to the opposite gender. However, some assignments may involve field work and interpreters

may be asked to accompany delegations, representatives on visits to premises etc. In these circumstances casual clothing and comfortable

footwear may be more appropriate. They should be careful not to be distracting by wearing things such as

long dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

Interpreters should be careful not to wear too much make up, have

long fingernails, or bright polish. Beards and mustaches should be

neatly trimmed, and the area around the lips should be easily seen.

Fingernails should be clean. Clothing should be clean and neat.

Interpreters should not bring attention to themselves with

inappropriate movements such as clapping, overdo stretching, making

noises. NO gum chewing!

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