Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

An interpreter is asked by a lawyer to 'soften' a client's aggressive statement before interpreting it to the judge. What should the interpreter do?

Answer: Refuse and interpret the statement accurately as spoken

NAATI's Code of Ethics requires interpreters to render messages accurately without altering, omitting, or adding to the source content, regardless of instructions from parties.

A translator discovers mid-project that the source document contains content they find personally offensive. What is the ethical course of action?

Answer: Inform the client immediately and, if unable to continue, withdraw professionally

NAATI ethics require practitioners to notify clients of any conflict that may affect their ability to perform, allowing the client to find an alternative if necessary.

Which NAATI credential level is specifically designed for community interpreting in healthcare, legal aid, and social services settings?

Answer: Certified Interpreter

The NAATI Certified Interpreter credential is aimed at community interpreting contexts such as healthcare, legal, and social services.

A bilingual staff member at a hospital asks a NAATI-certified interpreter to 'just tell the patient what I say — the exact words don't matter.' How should the interpreter respond?

Answer: Explain that professional ethics require accurate and complete interpretation

Interpreters must uphold accuracy standards even when directed otherwise by non-interpreting staff, as professional obligations are non-negotiable.

Under NAATI's ethical framework, what does the principle of 'impartiality' require of an interpreter?

Answer: To avoid taking sides and maintain neutrality toward all parties

Impartiality requires the interpreter to remain neutral and not favor any party, regardless of personal sympathies or professional relationships.

A NAATI-certified translator is offered a rush job but recognizes the deadline is too short to produce quality work. What should they do ethically?

Answer: Decline or negotiate a realistic deadline that ensures quality

NAATI's professional standards require practitioners to only accept work they can competently complete; accepting unachievable deadlines compromises quality and professional integrity.

When an interpreter witnesses one party providing false information during a mediation session, what is the correct NAATI-aligned response?

Answer: Interpret the false information accurately without personal intervention

The interpreter's role is to accurately convey what is said; it is not their place to judge the truthfulness of statements or intervene in the substantive content of proceedings.