Interpreters should not share specific details about assignments including (but not limited to) location, client, other parties involved, information discussed, and other identifying details that could lead another person to figure out any of the previously mentioned information.

Because the dDeafDB community in any given area is usually interconnected and most people are a “friend of a friend,” sharing a few details about an assignment may be enough for another person to figure out personal information such as medical issues, marital problems, or custody disputes. As interpreters, it is important to discuss ethical conflicts that we have faced in previous assignments to gain other perspectives and make better decisions in the future. However, when doing so, we must use discretion and only share information relevant to the dilemma with the goal of improving our ethical decision making, not shocking information for the sake of gossiping.

When deciding whether or not to accept a booking for an interpreting assignment, an interpreter must consider if they possess the abilities to provide an effective interpretation in that situation.

Knowing how to interpret American Sign Language to English and vice versa is only the beginning of the skills required of an interpreter. Assignments may have complicated terminology and concepts, be in environments that may evoke strong feelings in the interpreter like a hospital or religious building, or involve physical tasks such as standing for multiple hours. If an interpreter accepts a job that they are not properly equipped to perform, the dDeafDB client will not receive equal access to communication and may end up harmed mentally, socially, financially, or even physically.

Interpreters must adjust their behavior to suit the tone of the assignment while also maintaining the standard of professionalism outlined by the other tenets of the CPC.

Interpreting assignments vary immensely in level of formality, type of situation, preferences of people involved, and overall atmosphere, so there is no “one size fits all” approach to appropriate behavior in an interpreting situation. Sitting quietly and not interacting with other people at the table while the dDeafDB client uses the restroom may be appropriate at a high-stakes board meeting, but that may not be the case at an event like a wedding reception. Clothing and other aspects of personal appearance should also be kept within the standards of what is appropriate in the given context while also following the standard guidelines for color etc. regarding interpreter dress.

As interpreters, we hold a lot of influence over situations, both regarding the information the client(s) receive and the way they are perceived by the non-signing people involved. We must remain cognizant of this and treat clients respectfully, being mindful of the weight our actions hold.

In any professional situation, it is important to be respectful of all parties, especially the ones who are the reason you have been hired. In the process of becoming interpreters, we would not be able to gain the skills or experience necessary without large numbers of dDeafDB willingly giving their time and energy to share their language and culture; we need to be respectful of their individual efforts, as well as the community as a whole. Additionally, many times during interpreting assignments, there are hearing people involved who have never met a dDeafDB person. By treating clients with respect, we set the tone and provide an example of appropriate behavior as hearing people in a dDeafDB space.

Interpreters should be polite in their interactions with colleagues, interns, and students, and avoid speaking poorly about them, both to their face and behind their back.

In any profession, good relationships with peers and colleagues are essential to successful work, and in a field that often requires collaboration, those relationships must be maintained. We must also demonstrate the respect we give to colleagues when around interns and students to set an example for how to behave. If we talk down about other interpreters, they (or interpreters who hear about it) may no longer wish to team with us, and interns and students may not want to join such a negative field. There should especially be respect demonstrated toward dDeaf interpreters; often hearing interpreters feel as though the inclusion of a dDeaf interpreter to a team makes them look ill-equipped to effectively interpret in a situation and may have a poor attitude toward them. However, they are there to enhance the interpretation for the benefit of the client(s), and disrespecting them demonstrates disrespect to both a colleague and the client.

Interpreters should conduct business in a way that does not seek to take advantage of or harm anyone.

Rates of pay, billing practices, accepting of assignments, and other business practices should be made with consideration to the clients, the responsible party, other interpreters who may be involved, and the field of interpreting as a whole.

Education and improvement of skills as an interpreter does not end at graduation or upon certification; interpreters must continue to learn and grow throughout their entire careers.

Interpreters should look for opportunities to continue their education, such as classes or workshops, to improve on existing skills and keep lesser used skills from fading. By continuing to learn and grow, we show that we do not know everything, but we care enough about our clients and the field of interpreting to want to do the best that we can.