Translation Translation Ethics and Professional Standards 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which professional organization publishes the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice for translators in the US?
- American Translators Association (ATA) (Correct answer)
- International Federation of Translators (FIT)
- Translators Without Borders
- National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
Correct answer: American Translators Association (ATA)
The American Translators Association (ATA) publishes its own Code of Ethics and Professional Practice that guides US-based translators.
Question 2: What does the ethical principle of confidentiality require a translator to do?
- Share client documents with colleagues for quality review
- Protect all information received from clients from unauthorized disclosure (Correct answer)
- Post anonymized excerpts online for feedback
- Report all translation projects to a professional registry
Correct answer: Protect all information received from clients from unauthorized disclosure
Confidentiality requires translators to protect all client information and documents from unauthorized disclosure or use.
Question 3: A translator realizes mid-project that the source text promotes harmful misinformation. What is the most ethical course of action?
- Continue translating without comment
- Alter the text to remove the misinformation
- Notify the client and consider withdrawing if the issue is not resolved (Correct answer)
- Publish a disclaimer with the completed translation
Correct answer: Notify the client and consider withdrawing if the issue is not resolved
Translators should inform clients of ethical concerns and may withdraw from a project if the content violates professional standards.
Question 4: What is a conflict of interest in translation?
- Disagreeing with the client's preferred style
- Accepting a project where personal interests may compromise professional judgment (Correct answer)
- Translating documents from a competitor's industry
- Working on multiple projects at the same time
Correct answer: Accepting a project where personal interests may compromise professional judgment
A conflict of interest arises when personal relationships, financial stakes, or biases may impair a translator's objective professional performance.
Question 5: Why must a translator accurately represent their language competencies to clients?
- To qualify for higher-paying projects
- To avoid liability for poor-quality work resulting from overstated skills (Correct answer)
- To meet government licensing requirements
- To obtain ATA membership discounts
Correct answer: To avoid liability for poor-quality work resulting from overstated skills
Misrepresenting language competencies is unethical and can result in poor translations, client harm, and professional liability.
Question 6: Which practice violates professional translation ethics?
- Using translation memory tools
- Subcontracting work without the client's knowledge or consent (Correct answer)
- Asking for an extension when needed
- Charging a rush fee for urgent projects
Correct answer: Subcontracting work without the client's knowledge or consent
Subcontracting without client consent violates confidentiality and transparency obligations central to professional ethics.
Translation Translation Ethics and Professional Standards 1
Which professional organization publishes the Code of Ethics and Professional Practice for translators in the US?