Responsibilities of the Interpreter

Below are the key responsibilities for interpreters, as outlined in the ISO 18841:2018 standard. This page provides guidance on the professional expectations and duties of interpreters to ensure a smooth, ethical, and professional interpreting service. At Tolk2Go, we follow these standards to support effective communication and uphold the quality of service.

1. Accept Assignments Within Qualifications

Interpreters should only accept assignments for which they are linguistically qualified and that match their expertise. They must confirm that the working conditions and terms are conducive to the successful delivery of interpreting services.

2. Request Necessary Information

Interpreters must ensure that they receive all relevant information in advance, including assignment details, background materials, and any technical or logistical requirements. This allows the interpreter to prepare effectively.

3. Maintain Professionalism

The interpreter is expected to:

• Be punctual and prepared for the assignment.
• Maintain a professional appearance and behavior, adhering to any dress codes as required.
• Introduce themselves appropriately to all parties involved and explain their role in the assignment.
• Follow all relevant protocols, codes of ethics, and standards of practice in interpreting.

4. Interpret Impartially and Accurately

The interpreter must interpret the message faithfully, without adding, omitting, or altering content. They should interpret in the first person (direct speech) whenever possible and manage the flow of communication to ensure clarity and accuracy.

5. Adhere to Codes of Conduct

Interpreters must follow the established protocols, ethical guidelines, and professional codes of conduct, which vary by country, specialization, and the type of assignment.

6. Maintain Confidentiality

Interpreters are required to maintain strict confidentiality about the content they interpret, particularly when dealing with sensitive or private information. They must refrain from sharing or discussing any details of the assignment with unauthorized persons.

7. Report Issues When Necessary

If any issues arise that could impact the quality of the interpreting service, such as technical difficulties, safety concerns, or the need for clarification, the interpreter should report these to the appropriate person or organization immediately.

8. Ensure Appropriate Working Conditions

Interpreters should ensure that the working conditions are suitable for the assignment. If the environment is inadequate or unsafe, they should communicate these concerns to the client and request necessary adjustments.

9. Take Care of Personal Well-being

Interpreting can be a mentally and physically demanding task. Interpreters should manage their time to avoid fatigue, burnout, or secondary trauma, especially in high-stress environments. They must take breaks when needed and report any signs of exhaustion or distress.

10. Debrief After the Assignment

After completing an assignment, the interpreter should, where appropriate, participate in a debriefing session to discuss any issues or challenges faced during the assignment. This helps improve future service delivery and identifies areas for professional development.

© ISO 2018 – All rights reserved. Excerpts used here for informational purposes. For the full standard, please refer to ISO 18841:2018(E).

Need More Information?

If you have further questions about your responsibilities as an interpreter, please visit our FAQ for Interpreters or contact us directly at [email protected].