Code of ethics explainer
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Translator and interpreter ethics
Translators and interpreters certified by NAATI are bound by a code of ethics and code of conduct. This means that you can trust any NAATI-certified translator or interpreter, similar to the trust you place in a doctor or accountant.
They have a duty to:
- be accurate
- be impartial and unbiased
- keep your information confidential
- maintain their skills through regular professional development
- only do work they are qualified to do through training or credentials
Ethical dilemmas are problems in professional situations where there is no clear right or wrong solution. For interpreters, here are some ethical dilemmas that might come up in their work:
- A client swears in front of police. The interpreter might think it is inappropriate to swear at the police or know that swearing will get the client in trouble. However, the code of ethics guides the interpreter to be accurate and impartial, and everything, including the swearing, will be interpreted to the police and vice versa.
- Being asked to provide an opinion, such as whether they think someone is lying. The code of ethics guides the interpreter to be impartial and clarify the boundaries of their role: They do not engage in advocacy, guidance or advice as part of their translation or interpreting.
- Being asked whether their client repeated something in a previous meeting or appointment. The code of ethics guides the interpreter to keep information confidential. Even if a doctor asks the interpreter whether the patient said the same information in a previous appointment, they cannot provide this information.
In Australia and New Zealand, there are four relevant codes of ethics: AUSIT, ASLITA, NZSTI and SLIANZ.
- AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators) Code of Ethics & Code of Conduct (2012) : All Australian and New Zealand-based translators and interpreters working in spoken languages
- Note that AUSIT and NZSTI share a code of ethics. You can read the NZSTI Code of Ethics here
- ASLIA (Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association) Code of Ethics & Guidelines for Professional Conduct (2007) : All Auslan translators and interpreters
- SLIANZ (Sign Language Interpreters of New Zealand) Code of Ethics & Conduct (2012) : All New Zealand-based interpreters working in NZSL
Getting certified by NAATI includes demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the relevant code of ethics. NAATI makes sure the translator or interpreter understands the code of ethics and how the principles apply to their work, and knows how they will respond to ethical dilemmas.
Read more about the different codes of ethics and NAATI’s Ethical Competency test here
Breaches of the code of ethics
Occasionally it is discovered that a translator or interpreter has not followed the principles, resulting in damage or harm to a client, their employer or a fellow practitioner. This is commonly referred to as a ‘breach’.
NAATI, AUSIT, ASLITA, NZSTI and SLIANZ take potential breaches of the code of ethics seriously. You can read NAATI’s Complaints Policy for advice on how NAATI will investigate and respond to any breaches reported to NAATI. You can also make a complaint directly to the translator or interpreter, their employer, or their professional association if they are a member (AUSIT, ASLITA, NZSTI or SLIANZ).
