Interpreters Training Ethics

refers to well based standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of Rights Obligations Benefits to society Fairness Or specific virtues

Ethics for example Refers to those standards that impose the reasonable obligations to refrain from Stealing Murder Assault Fraud etc..

Finally Ethical standards include standards Relating to rights such as: The right to life The right to freedom from injury and The right to privacy

Resolving Ethical issues Requires an appeal to values and Ethical Problem Solving

Culture and Ethics Cultures differ widely in their moral practices. This fact affects our own moral issues against others

Ethics Requires: Consistency in the sense that our moral standards, actions, and values should not be contradictory Examining our lives to uncover inconsistencies and then modifying our moral standards and behaviors so that they are consistent is an important part of moral development

Values and Interpreters Interpreters work with a variety of people with a variety of circumstances; so it is not unusual for consumers to hold values that are different than ours Professional Interpreters however: Are capable of recognizing this difference

Value Systems Foresight Knowledge Resolution Strategies All minimize stressful impact of value conflicts

Interpreters must be aware of conflicts between their own value systems and the institutions in which they work Interpreters must know themselves well

Change in Value System Is hard: Causes tension and feelings Attachment to old values Other values as threatening

Confidentiality Interpreter treats all information confidential This means NOTHING is to be divulged without the full approval of the client and service provider Exception: Where the law requires disclosure

Accuracy Conveying the Spirit of what is said Must transmit message in a faithful manner Considers linguistic variations in both languages Conveys tone and spirit of original message

Completeness Conveying everything that is said Interpreters MUST interpret everything that is said Do Not Add Remove Anything No matter how uncomfortable

Impartiality Interpreters shall be impartial and unbiased An interpreter shall not accept an assignment and shall withdraw from a situation where his/her strongly held personal values and beliefs may interfere with impartiality

Conflict of Interest Interpreters MUST disclose any existing or potential, whether real or perceived conflict of interest that would affect their objectivity in delivery of their service

Conveying Cultural Frameworks Interpreters shall explain cultural differences or practices to service providers and client when appropriate

Client Self-Determination The interpreter may be asked by the client for his/her opinion When this happens Restate the role of the interpreter to clarify that no personal opinion may be given

Professional Distance Interpreter should always maintain necessary professional distance Why? An interpreter is a Neutral Third Party

Attitude Toward Clients Interpreters should strive to: Develop relationship of trust an respect

Compensation Interpreters shall not accept any compensation other than the fee agreed upon by the agency Even if the Interpreter is a volunteer

Professional Integrity Interpreter should represent their qualifications, training and experience accurately and completely Interpreters shall only accept assignments for which they are qualified for

Respect for Privacy Interpreter shall refrain from: Contact with either the provider or client From asking personal questions

Professionalism Punctual Prepared Dress appropriately Professional behavior

Professional Development Interpreter shall be committed to maintaining and enhancing professional skills by pursuing additional education in his/her languages

Questions

Discussion Questions You are called to interpret for a mother who’s newborn is at the hospital. The hospital staff called CPS because they felt mother was not bonding with child because she would not look at the physician or nurses when they were talking to her about the baby’s condition. After interpreting you experienced the same behavior, however, you knew this behavior was expected based on the mother’s ethnic values.

Discussion Questions You have interpreted several times for this client over a period of months. On the client’s final visit, he says that he would like to give you a token of his appreciation, and he hands you a $100 bill. You are aware that in the client’s culture, refusing a gift is very offensive. When you suggest that he make a donation to an agency or center, he insists that he wants you to keep the gift.

Discussion Questions When taking the client’s history, the case worker asks him if he has ever had any psychological problems. The client says no, but you happen to know that he has been seeing a psychiatrist, because you have interpreted for him there as well.

Discussion Questions You are a caseworker at a county DJFS, and you are asked to serve as an Adhoc interpreter at an intake interview. When you entered the room you find out you know the customer, she was your neighbor. You did not acknowledge this, but during the interview she was asked if she had anyone living with her, and she said no. You knew her boyfriend lived with her and helped her out.

Discussion Questions You are called to interpret in an eligibility determination for F/S, MAC for the customer’s children. Customer has brought the required documents. Customer is asked for immigration status and SS#. Customer says she does not have one. C/W ends the interview and determines the household as not eligible.

Discussion Questions Your are called in to interpret for a caseworkers who knows a little bit of the customer’s language, but it is clear that she is not fluent enough to communicate well. She tells you that you can go back to your office, because she and the customer are communicating just fine. You don’t want to hurt the caseworker’s feelings, but you know the customer can’t understand her fractured questions and she can’t fully understand his answers

Discussion Questions The case manager in the CPS case asks a routine question about alcohol consumption in the household. You know that this customer’s religion forbids the consumption of alcohol and would be offended by the very question.

Discussion Questions A child is brought into the emergency room with a broken arm, and his parents report that he fell down the stairs. The physician on duty notices that child has bruises elsewhere on his body, and confides to you that he suspects the parents of abusing the child. You happen to know that in the parent’s culture, certain folk practices result in superficial bruising, but are not harmful. However, you also have a suspicion that the parents may be abusing the child.

Discussion Questions You are interpreting for a customer who wants her son to be present for the re- determination. You know that family ties are important in the customer’s culture, and the patient is obviously more at ease having her son there. The son is not happy with your interpretation however, and insists on interpreting for his mother, which the caseworker allows. You realize that the son is distorting what the mother says and is not telling her everything the caseworker says.

Discussion Questions Customer comes into an DJFS requesting FS for herself and her children. The interpreter finds out she also needs medical services when the customer tells her she is HIV positive. Does the Interpreter divulges the information for the benefit of a medical provider or anyone who may help customer?

The End!