NIC Professional Ethics 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A Deaf consumer insists the interpreter is making errors, but the interpreter believes their interpretation is accurate. The best course of action is to:
- Assert confidence in the interpretation and continue
- Pause, invite clarification, and seek to resolve the concern collaboratively (Correct answer)
- Offer to be replaced by another interpreter
- Ask a hearing consumer to evaluate the interpretation
Correct answer: Pause, invite clarification, and seek to resolve the concern collaboratively
Addressing consumer concerns respectfully and collaboratively supports both accuracy and the professional relationship.
Question 2: What is the significance of the 'demand-control schema' in interpreter ethics?
- It defines how interpreters set their professional fees
- It is a framework for analyzing workplace decisions interpreters face (Correct answer)
- It governs the chain of command between interpreters and agencies
- It specifies the physical demands interpreters must be able to meet
Correct answer: It is a framework for analyzing workplace decisions interpreters face
The demand-control schema is an ethical decision-making tool that helps interpreters analyze and respond to workplace pressures.
Question 3: An interpreter is working a job where the Deaf consumer begins directing the interpreter to say things the consumer has not actually said. The interpreter should:
- Follow the consumer's instructions to respect their autonomy
- Continue interpreting only what is actually communicated and address the issue appropriately (Correct answer)
- Stop the assignment immediately
- Inform the hearing consumer that the Deaf consumer is directing the interpretation
Correct answer: Continue interpreting only what is actually communicated and address the issue appropriately
Interpreters are bound to render actual messages and should not fabricate or substitute content at anyone's request.
Question 4: Under what circumstance would it be ethically permissible for an interpreter to break confidentiality?
- When asked directly by law enforcement
- When there is imminent risk of harm to the consumer or others (Correct answer)
- When a supervisor at the interpreting agency requests information
- When the assignment has been completed for more than 30 days
Correct answer: When there is imminent risk of harm to the consumer or others
Imminent danger to self or others is a recognized exception to confidentiality across most professional codes of ethics.
Question 5: A newly certified interpreter is offered a complex legal assignment beyond their current skill level. What is the ethical choice?
- Accept to build experience in specialized settings
- Accept and request a co-interpreter for support
- Decline and refer the agency to a more qualified interpreter (Correct answer)
- Accept only if the agency provides legal briefing materials
Correct answer: Decline and refer the agency to a more qualified interpreter
Accepting assignments beyond one's competence risks consumer harm; referring to a qualified interpreter is the ethical response.
Question 6: Which of the following best illustrates the principle of 'respect for persons' in interpreter ethics?
- Interpreting commands in a more polite tone to protect the consumer
- Addressing all parties equally and without condescension or favoritism (Correct answer)
- Prioritizing the needs of the Deaf consumer over the hearing party
- Advocating for policy changes that benefit the Deaf community
Correct answer: Addressing all parties equally and without condescension or favoritism
Respect for persons means treating all parties with equal dignity without favoring or protecting any individual.
Question 7: An interpreter is asked to interpret a community meeting where their close friend is presenting. What is the most ethical action?
- Accept the assignment and remain impartial throughout
- Disclose the relationship and withdraw from the assignment
- Disclose the relationship and let the agency decide (Correct answer)
- Accept only if the friend consents to the arrangement
Correct answer: Disclose the relationship and let the agency decide
Disclosing the relationship and allowing the agency or parties to decide protects impartiality while remaining transparent.
NIC Professional Ethics 5
A Deaf consumer insists the interpreter is making errors, but the interpreter believes their interpretation is accurate.
The best course of action is to: