ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses some of the core principles and values of the foregoing two interpreting and translation professional bodies, and explains the role of an interpreter. The task of interpreting is highly skilled. The role carries significant responsibility and requires high levels of concentration, as well as sensitivity to a wide range of settings. The interpreter's role is to convey the meaning of everything that is said in an exchange between two people who do not share the same language. Interpreters need to be proficient in their own languages and in English. The interpreter's role is to interpret between two languages so that effective communication can take place. Experienced interpreters may be concerned about whether the client understands why a speech impediment is being gently repeated or indicated, or why their narrative is being translated verbatim with its natural clumsiness and imperfections.