What is the meaning of confidentiality and its importance for a professional community interpreter ?

Question

What is the meaning of confidentiality and its importance for a professional community interpreter ?

Answer 1

The issue with confidentiality is not the definition, which is plain, but what must be kept confidential.  In addition to personal ethics, the certifying body of your interpreter, applicable state and federal law, and your contract with the interpreter defines the scope of confidentiality.  This forum cannot sufficiently know the details of your relationship with the interpreter so as to supply you this information, but you can find it through on-line searches of appropriate sources and re-reading the contract.  The exact job description of your interpreter will determine which laws apply.

The ability to maintain confidentiality is a prerequisite to anyone who considers themselves "professional."  Beyond that, not maintaining confidentiality may jeopardize one's job and subject them to civil litigation.

Answer 2

The ability to listen and keep your mouth shut at the same time!

Answer 3

Confidentiality means if you are interpreting for a client you do not share the knowledge you have about that subject with anyone else.

The importance to the community is to maintain a professional non-gossiping reputation while protecting the privacy rights of the individual you interpreted for. Not to do so is "gossip"

Whether for a foreign language or for sign language, you are there to "translate the information "only; not to comment on it or share it with anyone else

Answer 4

All interpreter work under certain code of conduct.  They are like priest almost.  I believe that only two thing would cause them to brake the code.  One is if you would say that you are going to kill someone and second would be if you told her that you were going to kill yourself.

Answer 5

Hello. The answer given by SpEdProf is exactly correct. As a professional interpreter, confidentiality is always key. Have you read the National Registry Of Interpreters for the Deaf (NRID) Code of Ethics? If you are a new interpreter, this reading is a must. Have you been in an Interpreter Training Program? All of this would have been covered in your classes. I have worked with too many so-called "professional" interpreters that never had any classes but know some sign language and feel thusly qualified. No, I'm not saying that is the same in your case; I don't know your particulars.