A challenging yet necessary aspect of being an interpreter is being able to confine yourself within the boundaries of the professional role and refraining from getting personally involved in an interpreting encounter and causing a conflict of interest.  

This idea is so important that it’s a canon for both legal and medical interpreters. For example, the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) lists “Limitations of Practice”as one of their canons. Likewise, the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) includes “Role Boundaries”as one of their standards of practice.

Here are some examples of how interpreters can go beyond their role boundaries:

 – disclosing  confidential information  

 – soliciting business from patients

– helping drivers cheat on driving tests

 – stealing classified government  documents

 – giving legal advice

Check out the video link below to get a better sense of how an interpreter should maintain their professional role.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrk9_1jVQx8

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