History of Interpreting

Professional vs. Unprofessional Interpreting

What happens When There is No Interpreter?

The Benefits of Using a Professional Interpreter

The Law and Health Care Interpreting

Health Care Interpreter Code of Ethics

Interpreting Vs. Translating

Most interpreting that goes on in the world could be called informal or ad hoc interpreting. This takes place whenever interpreting is done by whoever happens to be available at the moment and who speaks both languages. In many casual life situations this kind of interpreting can serve well enough, provided the "interpreter" is competent, careful and honest, which is a big "if". However, in any serious legal, medical, or business interactions between two parties that don't speak each others' language, there are many compelling reasons why it is essential to use a trained, professional interpreter. Prior to getting involved in this field, many interpreters-in-training are surprised to learn that Interpreting is a disciplined and discerning field with a code of ethics as serious as any in the legal or medical fields. This Code of Ethics exists not only to ensure the quality of work, but also to protect all parties from the results of possible misunderstandings.

The pages linked to here go into detail on some of these subjects, including a brief history of interpreting, the difference between professional and unprofessional interpreting, some of the disasters that can happen when there is no interpreter, the benefits of using a professional interpreter, legal issues, and the Interpreter's Code of Ethics. Because interpreting and translating (both services offered by us) are often confused with each other, we have a brief page here on translating.