National Standard Guide forCommunity Interpreting Services

Supported By:

Printed with the financial support of:
Association de l’industrie de la langue/Language Industry Association

Table of Contents

1. Scope of the Standard Guide..........................................................................................3
2. Introduction....................................................................................................................3
3. Acknowledgements.........................................................................................................4
4. Definitions ......................................................................................................................8
5. Interpreter’s Qualifications ...........................................................................................14
Skills and Competencies................................................................................................14
Interpreting Competence ...................................................................................14
Linguistic Competence........................................................................................14
Research and Technical Competence .................................................................15
Interpersonal skills .............................................................................................15
6. Responsibilities of Clients .............................................................................................16
7. Responsibilities of Interpreting Service Providers - ISP ................................................17
8. Role and Responsibilities of Interpreters ......................................................................18
9. Settings ........................................................................................................................19
Annex I.............................................................................................................................20
LITP Standards of Practice & Ethical Principles .............................................................20
1. Accuracy and Fidelity..........................................................................................21
2. Confidentiality ....................................................................................................21
3. Impartiality.........................................................................................................21
4. Respect for Persons............................................................................................21
5. Maintaining Role Boundaries ..............................................................................21
6. Accountability .....................................................................................................21
7. Professionalism...................................................................................................21
8. Continued Competence ......................................................................................21
Annex II............................................................................................................................30
Language Classification / Working Languages ..............................................................30
Annex III ..........................................................................................................................31
Professional Associations ..............................................................................................31
Annex IV...........................................................................................................................33
Healthcare Interpreting.................................................................................................33
Annex V ............................................................................................................................36
Legal Interpreting .........................................................................................................36
Bibliography......................................................................................................................39

National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services
Copyright © 2007 Healthcare Interpretation Network-2-

National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services

1. Scope of the Standard Guide
This Standard Guide specifies the requirements for the provision of quality community
interpreting services to ensure reliability in the provision of such services nationwide.
Community interpreting (also known as institutional interpreting) is usually done in theconsecutive mode in a dialogue-like interaction. It enables communication between
LEP/LFP speakers and providers of public services such as: healthcare, government
agencies, community centres, legal settings, educational institutions, and social services.
Interpreters working in this type of setting usually work into and out of two of their working
languages.
This Standard Guide applies to Community Interpreting only.

2. Introduction
To date, no national body in Canada has provided clear and consistent definitions of thecharacteristics and competencies of a qualified community interpreter, leaving
interpreters, hiring organizations and the general public with no clear idea about the roleof the interpreter or what is expected from interpreters. As a result, the quality ofinterpreting across Canada has been inconsistent leading to potentially incomplete,inaccurate and dangerous communication.
This first National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting will promote the highest
quality of interpreting when adopted for assessment, training, hiring, performancemonitoring and possible future professional recognition. It will also serve as an
educational tool for the general public. It is understood that it will take some time before
all community interpreters meet this standard, such that, it can be relied upon in all
language combinations at all times and in all settings.
This Standard Guide provides a common base of understanding concerning community
interpreting services. Adopting this Standard Guide at the national level is crucial toachieving professionalization in the field.
The document encompasses definitions of interpreting terminology, human resources
requirements, responsibilities of interpreting parties - clients, interpreting service
providers and interpreters, professional standards of practice, core ethical principles andother practical aspects.

National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services
Copyright © 2007 Healthcare Interpretation Network-3-3. Acknowledgements
The development of the National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting is an
initiative of the Healthcare Interpretation Network Policy Committee and has been madepossible thanks to the efforts and dedication of individuals and organizations representing
a wide variety of sectors across Canada.
The following organizations have worked towards the creation of the National Standard
Guide for Community Interpreting Services.
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
www.healthcareinterpretationnetwork.ca
Founded in 1990 and incorporated in 2004, HIN is a network of individuals andorganizations dedicated to improving access to high-quality healthcare for patients withlimited English proficiency. HIN is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for:•The development of strategies to promote awareness of the language barriers that
inhibit the quality of healthcare provided to patient populations with Limited English
Proficiency (LEP) in Ontario.

•

The recognition of the need for the development of standards to guide the trainingof language interpreters in the healthcare sector.

•

The exchange of information regarding healthcare interpretation.

The goals of HIN are to:•

Enable and enhance access to healthcare by providing education on the need for
language interpretation and translation services in the delivery of healthcare in
Ontario.

•

Conduct research, disseminate information and provide education with respect tolanguage interpretation and translation services in the healthcare sector.

•

Raise funds and provide resources for the education and training of qualified
language interpreters.

•

Promote common education and professional standards in the provision of
language interpretation and translation services.

National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services
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Association de l’industrie de la langue/Language Industry Association - AILIA
www.ailia.ca www.illi.ca
AILIA represents organizations delivering language services (translation, language training, andlanguage technologies). AILIA has been working to raise the standards for the language industry
in Canada. It has now taken an active role in supporting Community Interpreting through its
Translation Committee.
The mission of AILIA is to promote and increase the competitiveness of the Canadian language
industry nationally and internationally through advocacy, accreditation and information sharing.
The goals of AILIA are to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Promote the interests of the language industry.
Act as a common base for action for all participants in the industry.
Become a forum for industry members.
Raise the visibility of the industry.
Put together initiatives to face industry challenges.
Develop common human resources strategies.
Promote innovation and R&D.
Facilitate networking between the industry and other public and private sector partners.
Become the essential industry representative for the public sector.
Stimulate the efforts of industry stakeholders both on the national and international levels.
Support the emergence of alliances and projects to expand the industry.

Critical Link Canada
www.criticallink.org
Critical Link Canada is a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of the field ofcommunity interpreting in the social, legal and healthcare sectors. While its primary focus is
spoken language interpreting, it works closely with those who work in the area of sign language
interpreting. Critical Link Canada fulfills its mandate by:
•
•
•
•
•

Promoting the establishment of standards, which guide the practice of community
interpreters.
Encouraging and sharing research in the field of community interpretation.
Adding to the discussion about the educational and training requirements for community
interpreters.
Advocating for the provision of professional community interpreting services by social,legal and healthcare institutions.
Raising awareness about community interpreting as a profession.

Association of Canadian Corporations in Translation and Interpretation - ACCTI
www.accti.org
ACCTI is a non-profit association committed to representing the interests of Canadian
corporations in the business of translation and interpretation and represents public interest
through quality-oriented membership and designations. ACCTI has been an active participant in
the developments occurring in the community Interpreting field.
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An Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was set-up to create the National Standard Guide forCommunity Interpreting. The Committee was composed of representatives from the four
above-mentioned organizations as well as from other parties working within theCommunity Interpreting field.
Guide prepared by:
The Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN Policy Committee

Lola Bendana
Multi-Languages Corporation
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
Board of Directors
Association de l’industrie de la langue
Language Industry Association AILIABoard of Directors
Association of Canadian Corporationsin Translation and Interpretation ACCTIElba de Leon
St. Joseph Health Centre
Manager Interpreter Services
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
Board of Directors

Lisete Figueiredo
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
Board of Directors
Critical Link Canada
Board of Directors

Axelle Janczur
Access Alliance Multicultural Healthand Community Services
Executive Director
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
Board of Directors
Critical Link Canada
MemberAd Hoc Advisory Committee
Diana Abraham

Wilma Alvarado-Little

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship andImmigration
Former Senior Program Consultant

Center for the Elimination of Minority
Health Disparities
University at Albany, SUNY New York

Critical Link Canada
Founding Member

National Council on Interpreting in
Healthcare NCIHC
Board of Directors

Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
Board of Directors

Jake Atteslander
Seneca College

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Suzanne Barclay
The Provincial Language Service
Critical Link Canada
Board of Directors

ATIO Board of Directors(Stakeholder Consultation only)
Association of Translators andInterpreters of Ontario – ATIO

Alain Otis
Silvana Carr

University of Moncton

Vancouver Community College
Critical Link Canada
Board of Directors

Nelida Chan

Canadian Translators, Terminologists
and Interpreters Council CTTIC
Board of Directors

Paul Penzo

Ontario Government

All Languages Ltd.

York University

Association of Canadian Corporationsin Translation and Interpretation ACCTIBoard of Directors

Chair of Sub-Committee 1 of theCanadian Advisory Committee CAC to
ISO Technical Committee TC37 andInternational Convener of
ISO/TC37/SC2/WG6 (Translation andInterpreting/Interpretation Processes)

Gonzalo Peralta
Association de l’industrie de la langue
Language Industry Association – AILIA
President

Anne-Marie De Vos
Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues etinterprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
Board of Directors

Jeannine Roy
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Debra Russell
Casey Fallon
Court Services Division
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

University of Alberta
Critical Link Canada
Board of Directors

María Constanza Guzmán
Glendon College
York University

Paola Ludovici
Lexi-tech International

Julio Montero
Able Translations Ltd.

Suzanne Mondoux
Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues etinterprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
Board of Directors

Wilson Teixeira
Able Translations Ltd.
Association de l’industrie de la langue
Language Industry Association – AILIABoard of Directors
Association of Canadian Corporationsin Translation and Interpretation ACCTIBoard of Directors

Cheryl Girard Wrixon
CON*NECT Strategic Alliances

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4. Definitions
For the purposes of this Guide the following terms are defined as follows:

Term

Definition

Accreditation

The recognition of educational institutions or training programs as meetingand maintaining standards that then qualify its graduates for professional
practice.

Accredited
Interpreter

An interpreter who has passed the screening criteria of a particularorganization and has been awarded a certain recognition or accreditation.
An accredited interpreter is NOT necessarily a Certified Interpreter a
Certified Court Interpreter or a Certified Conference Interpreter.

Ad HocInterpreter

An untrained individual who asserts proficiency in the relevant language
pair, who is called upon or volunteers to interpret. Also called a chanceinterpreter or lay interpreter.

Bidirectional
Interpreting

Interpretation between two languages where each one functions as both asource and target language.

Bilingual
PersonAn individual who has some degree of proficiency in two languages. A highlevel of bilingualism is the minimum qualification for a competent interpreterbut by itself does not ensure the ability to interpret.

Certificate

A document that attests to the attainment of specific learning objectives. A
person who holds a certificate related to interpreter training is NOT
necessarily a Certified Interpreter, a Certified Court Interpreter or a Certified
Conference Interpreter.

Certification

A process by which a professional organization attests to or certifies that anindividual is qualified to provide a particular service. Certification calls forformal assessment, using an instrument that has been tested for validity
and reliability, so that the certifying body can be confident that theindividuals it certifies have the qualifications needed to provide interpreting
services. A training certificate does NOT constitute certification.

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Term

Definition

CertifiedInterpreter

A professional interpreter who is certified as competent by a professionalorganization through rigorous testing based on appropriate and consistentcriteria. Interpreters who have had limited training or have taken ascreening test administered by an employing legal, health, interpreter orreferral agency are NOT considered certified.

Certifying
Body

A professional association that certifies interpreters.

ClientIndividual or organization that purchases or requests interpreting services.

Community
Interpreting

Bidirectional interpreting that takes place in the course of communication
among speakers of different languages. The context is the provision of
public services such as healthcare or community services and in settings
such as government agencies, community centres, legal settings,
educational institutions, and social services.
Other terms have been used to describe community interpreting such as"public service interpreting", "cultural interpreting", "dialogue interpreting",“institutional interpreting, "liaison interpreting" and "ad hoc interpreting".
However, community interpreting remains the most widely accepted term in
Canada.

Consecutive
Interpreting

Consecutive is one of the two modes of interpreting.
There are two forms of consecutive interpreting:
1. Long or classic consecutive is usually used in conference
interpreting settings, where the interpreter listens to the totality of the
speaker’s comments or a significant passage and then reconstitutes
the speech with the help of notes taken while listening.
2. Sequential or short consecutive interpreting is used in court
interpreting as well as most forms of community interpreting andoperates at the sentence level instead of working with paragraphs orentire speeches.
In this form of interpreting, the interpreter may interrupt the speaker and ask
him/her to repeat, clarify or rephrase so as to ensure accuracy andcompleteness in the delivery of the message.

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Term

Definition

Conference
CallInterpreting

A form of remote interpreting which takes place over the phone between
three or more people. This is also called telephone interpreting.

Conference
Interpreting

A form of interpreting that takes place in a conference type setting, often
interpreting speeches or presentations. It may be either consecutive or
simultaneous in mode, but involves the interpreter working in "one direction"of language transfer only, usually from one language into their first or
preferred language.

Court
Interpreting

Interpreting that takes place in a court setting, in which the interpreter is
asked to interpret either consecutively or simultaneously for a LEP/LFP
individual who takes part in a legal proceeding.

DomainSubject matter, field, sector or industry.1

EscortInterpreting

Interpreting that takes place when an interpreter accompanies a LEP/LFP
for a prearranged time and facilitates communication in different settingsand contexts. Escort interpreting is also known as elbow interpreting.

First-person
Interpreting

Interpreting that takes place using the first person demonstrated by “I”
statements, also known as direct speech interpreting.

Healthcare
Interpreting

Interpreting that takes place in a healthcare setting, in which the interpreteris asked to interpret either consecutively or simultaneously for an individual
who does not share the language in which the healthcare service takes
place.

Interpreting

The act of facilitating spoken language communication between two or
more parties who do not share a common language by delivering, as
faithfully as possible, the original message from source into target
language.

1

American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)

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Term

Definition

Interpreting
Individual or organization that provides interpreting services.
Service
Note: Service Provider is widely used to designate the organization’s staff
Provider (ISP) working with a client.
For the purpose of this National Standard Guide, the term references thosethat provide interpreting services.

Interpreter

A person who facilitates spoken language communication between two or
more parties who do not share a common language by delivering, as
faithfully as possible, the original message from source into target
language.

Interpreting
Mode

Format and manner of interaction within the interpreting encounter. The
modes include: consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting.
Each mode fits particular needs and circumstances.

Language
Pair

The two languages that serve as source and target languages for anindividual interpreter in a particular assignment.

LEP/LFP

Limited English/French Proficiency/Proficient.

LLD

Languages of Lesser Diffusion (less common languages).

Message
Relay

Interpreting where an interpreter receives a message from one party andsubsequently transmits it to another party in the target language.

Note-taking

Note-taking, an essential element of consecutive interpreting, consists ofnoting on paper, names, addresses, dates and specific terms that might bedifficult to remember for the short period before the interpreter intervenes tointerpret.

On-siteInterpreting

Interpreting done by an interpreter who is directly in the presence of theinterpreting parties. Also called face-to-face interpreting.

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Term

Definition

Professional
Interpreter

A fluently bilingual individual with appropriate training and experience who
is able to interpret with consistency and accuracy and who adheres to theStandards of Practice and Ethical Principles.2

RegisterA stylistic and/or social level of language used by a speaker. A speaker’s
choice of register is generally defined by the particular topic, the parties
spoken to, and the perceived formality of the situation. The register is also
related to the type of activity, level of education, etc. (e.g. colloquial, legal,
medical, scientific, religious).

Relay
Interpreting

An interpreting process in which two individuals attempting a conversation
communicate through two interpreters, each of whom speaks only one of
the two languages required as well as a common third language.
This type of interpreting is also called double relay. While sometimes it isnecessary for some of the LLD, it should be avoided whenever possible
because it increases the risk of inaccuracies in interpreting.

RemoteInterpreting

Interpreting provided by an interpreter who is not in the presence of the
speakers, e.g., interpreting via telephone or videoconferencing.3

Sight
Translation

Conversion from written material in one language to a spoken version inanother language. It also occurs when an instant oral version is required ofa written text.

SignedLanguage

Visual-spatial languages used by Deaf people. Signed Languages arenatural languages with their own grammatical structures and lexicon.
In Canada there are two official signed languages: American Sign
Language (ASL), used by English-speaking Deaf community members, andLangue des signes québécoise (LSQ) used by French-speaking Deaf
community members.

2

LITC Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles

3

American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)

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Term

Definition

SimultaneousInterpreting

The nearly instantaneous delivery of the speaker’s message from thesource language into the target language.

SourceLanguage

Language from which translation or interpretation is carried out.

Language into which translation or interpretation is carried out.
TargetLanguageTranslation

The process of transposing the meaning of a written text from one language(source) to the other (target) by producing an equivalent target text thatretains the elements of meaning, form and tone.

Translator

Person who renders the meaning of a written text in a source language to atarget language by producing an equivalent written target text that retains
the elements of meaning, form and tone.

Transparency/Transparent
Interpreting

The principle that during the encounter the interpreter informs all parties ofany action he or she takes, including speaking for him- or herself, outside of
direct interpreting.

Utterance

A complete unit of speech in spoken language. It is generally but not always
bounded by silence.

Video
Conference
Interpreting

Remote interpreting that makes use of a video camera when one or more of
the interpreting parties are not present at the same location. It enables theparties to see and hear each other via a television monitor.

Whispered
SimultaneousInterpreting

Interpreting that takes place whereby the interpreter is seated next to one ormore LEP/LFP persons and whispers in the target language the content of
the speech. Also called “chuchotage”.

Working
Languages

See Annex II

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5. Interpreter’s Qualifications
Skills and Competencies
Community Interpreters shall have the following competencies:

Interpreting CompetenceInterpreting competence comprises the ability to interpret a message from one language
to the other in the applicable mode. It includes the ability to assess and comprehend theoriginal message and render it in the target language without omissions, additions or
distortions. It also includes the knowledge/awareness of the interpreter’s own role in theinterpreting encounter.
Interpreting skills
The interpreter shall:••••

Have active listening skills and strive to improve them through self-training.
Have good memory retention skills.
Be able to take notes during the interpretation assignment to ensure accuracy of
the information given.
Be able to mentally transpose and verbalize into the target language

Linguistic Competence
Linguistic competence includes the ability to comprehend the source language and apply
this knowledge to render the message as accurately as possible in the target language.
Language skills
The interpreter shall:••

Have an in depth knowledge and understanding of his/her working languages andthe required range of language registers.
Have knowledge of subject areas and relevant terminology.

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Research and Technical Competence
Research competence includes the ability to efficiently acquire the additional linguistic
and specialized knowledge necessary to interpret in specialized cases. Researchcompetence also requires experience in the use of research tools and the ability todevelop suitable strategies for the efficient use of the information sources available. 4Interpersonal skills
The Interpreter shall:••••

Have strong communication skills.
Be polite, respectful and tactful.
Be able to relate well to people.
Have good judgment.

The skills and competencies described above shall be demonstrated through thefollowing:a. Post secondary education, preferably a recognized degree of at least three years
duration in translation or interpretation or a related field.
b. Interpreting training/education by a recognized academic institution.
c. Successful completion of a Language proficiency test (such as CILISAT or ILSAT
in Ontario )d. Documented experience in the field.
In the event that the above cannot be met, the provider is to:•

Use professionally skilled, competent interpreters who are otherwise qualified byeducation, training and experience to carry out the assignment successfully.

•

Use "on dossier" processes to select the best professional interpreters on file.

•

Assign the most qualified interpreter possible based upon the nature of theassignment and the language in question.

•

Properly monitor, assess and modify on an ongoing basis the interpreter’s statusbased upon performance.

4

EN 15038 / C**/CGSB-131.10:Canadian General Standard Board Committee on Translation Services (standard in
preparation)

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6. Responsibilities of Clients
The Client shall:
1. Always inform the Interpreting Service Provider (agency or interpreter) of any
known risks and provide any advice, protection and safety measures generally
available to participants in the interpreted event. The interpreter shall never beforced to enter a situation that poses a risk to his/her health and well being. 5
2. Respect the Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles6 at all times.
3. Provide as much information as possible about the requested assignment such as
background and parallel texts and speaker’s notes. The information will assist theinterpreter in researching the subject and familiarizing him/herself with the subject.
Any related documentation, previously translated files or glossaries related to thecase are essential to the successful completion of the assignment.
When working with interpreters, the Client should:
1. Book additional time beyond that required in a non-interpreted encounter.
2. Avoid long, complex sentences, the use of slang, idiomatic expressions, highly
technical vocabulary or jargon.
3. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
4. Talk directly to the LEP/LFP party, not to the interpreter.
5. Never ask the interpreter for his/her opinion.
6. For long assignments, provide breaks at appropriate intervals since accuracy
declines with time.
7. Pause frequently to allow the interpreter to render all the information.
8. Be aware of non-verbal communication.
9. Encourage the interpreter to request clarification as required.
10. Provide an adequate working environment.
11. Always attempt to ensure the proper mode of interpreting is used (consecutive or
simultaneous).

5

American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM)

6LITC Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles

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7. Responsibilities of Interpreting Service Providers - ISP
Organizations that contract community interpreters should have documented proceduresin place for selecting people in accordance with the National Standard Guide forCommunity Interpreting Services. Organizations must ensure that the competencies
required are maintained and updated.
Interpreting Service Providers coordinate the provision of interpretation services withclients and interpreters.
Responsibilities to the Client
The Interpreting Service Provider shall:
1. Ensure all interpreters hired or contracted are qualified professionals capable ofperforming the specified task.
2. Disclose the interpreter’s qualifications to the client especially if the interpreter
available does not meet the requirements for the specific setting.
3. Brief the client on how to work effectively with interpreters.
4. Inform the client promptly if an interpreter is not available in the requested
language.
5. Provide the client with a detailed Client-ISP agreement specifying pricing, terms,
policies and procedures for interpreting assignments.
Responsibilities to the Interpreter
The Interpreting Service Provider shall:
1. Provide the interpreter with detailed information about the assignment. This
includes:a. Requesting context/materials/documentation from the client, as applicable.
b. Providing any glossaries or resources available.
c. Providing administrative details such as complete address, contact
information, etc.
2. Ensure proper working conditions for the interpreter. This includes:a. Promoting an adequate working environment.
b. Briefing the client about the interpreter’s needs.
c. Providing the required number of interpreters or team of interpreters if
applicable.
3. Pay within a reasonable timeframe and/or according to established agreement
between the parties.
4. Clearly establish and document terms and conditions of the working relationshipwith interpreters.
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8. Role and Responsibilities of Interpreters
The role of the interpreter is to facilitate verbal communication by conveying as faithfully
as possible a message between two parties who do not share a common language.
For the purpose of this Guide, “faithfully” is defined as interpretation that preserves themeaning of the message, without omissions, additions or alterations.
The Interpreter shall:
1. Follow the LITP Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles at all times.
2. Accept only those interpreting assignments that he/she is able to perform at thehighest professional level.
3. Participate in professional development activities whenever possible.
4. Acquire the proper terminology and enhance his/her knowledge by creating andupdating terminology files.
5. Maintain and improve his/her linguistic competencies.
6. The interpreter must be able to understand and convey cultural nuances without
assuming the role of advocate or cultural broker.
Responsibilities to the Interpreting Service Provider
The Interpreter shall:
1. Ask for information in advance regarding the nature of his/her assignment in order
to be able to research and adequately prepare for it.
2. Properly introduce himself or herself to all parties and explain the role of theinterpreter.
3. Strictly comply with scheduled / booked time.
4. Maintain professional appearance and behaviour.
5. Follow the protocols, terms and procedures established / agreed upon with theInterpreting Service Provider.
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9. Settings7
Community interpreters work in a wide variety of settings or domains including:•Business and industry•

Public agencies and institutions•

Healthcare

•

Legal

•

Education•

Social services

Type of Event
The type of event refers to the situation in which communication takes place. The event isdefined by factors such as the physical location, number of participants and type of
discourse. These include:

7•

Medical appointments•

Legal proceedings•

Press conferences•

Classroom instruction•

Interviews•

Live broadcasts•

Negotiations•

Meetings and assemblies•

Presentations•

Consultations•

Community forums

ASTM F2089

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Annex I
LITP8 Standards of Practice & Ethical Principles9
Foreword
In Ontario, the role of the oral language interpreter has evolved and become more refinedover time. Historically interpreters were identified as “cultural interpreters” with a role tobridge “cultural misunderstandings” between service providers and non/limited English
speakers. Determining how and when an interpreter should intervene created conflicts for
all parties for a variety of reasons. Although cultural differences can exist between
individuals who do not share a common language, cultural differences can also exist
between individuals who do share a common language. Given the complexity of factorsthat impact and influence an individual’s culture, acting as a “cultural broker/bridge” goesbeyond the scope of an interpreter’s duty, from the perspective of the LITP Curriculum
Development Team. Expecting an interpreter to perform that function, in and of itself,
contravenes the ethical principle and standard of practice to remain impartial, andfurthermore begs the question of the demonstrated competence of the interpreter toperform that function. Therefore, it should be noted that the LITP Curriculum
Development Team recommends that the role of the interpreter focus on the delivery of
messages between individuals who do not share a common language rather than“cultural differences/nuance” of the speakers.
Introduction
Standards of practice define the framework from which an oral language interpreter’s
performance is conducted and measured. Standards of practice guide how a language
interpreter will perform his/her role, duties and responsibilities.
Ethical principles focus on the “shoulds” of an interpreter’s performance when ethical andother considerations impact an interpreter’s ability to adhere to the standards of practice.
Standards of practice and ethical principles are complementary guideposts to equip aninterpreter with clear parameters for delivery of quality interpretation service.
The development of and adherence to standards of practice and ethical principles
reinforces and supports consistent practice for all interpreters. Standards of practiceserve in all areas where criteria for professional performance are needed in making
decisions and may be used in making determinations regarding professional misconduct,
8

Language Interpreting Training Program

9

These Standards of Practice are reproduced with permission from the Language Interpreter Training Certificate
Program of the Ontario Colleges © CON*NECT Strategic Alliances Inc., 180 Dundas St. W., Suite 504, Toronto, ON
M5G 1Z8. * The development of the LITC Curriculum was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship andImmigration.

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incompetence or incapacity. Standards of Practice enable service providers, employers
and non/limited English speakers requiring the services of an interpreter to recognize
what standards of performance can be expected by a competent interpreter. They also
assist educators in developing curriculum and in providing appropriate instruction.
In the event that the Standards of Practice set a standard that is higher than an
employer’s or service provider’s policy or procedure, the interpreter should comply withthe standard set by the Standards of Practice.
The recommended standards of practice and ethical principles for the LITP integrates thework of Across Languages Translation and Interpretation Service, a London, Ontario
based community interpreter service and the American National Council on Interpreting in
Healthcare.
There are forty-seven standards of practice interconnected with eight ethical principles:1.

Accuracy and Fidelity

2.

Confidentiality

3.

Impartiality

4.

Respect for Persons

5.

Maintaining Role Boundaries

6.

Accountability

7.

Professionalism

8.

Continued Competence

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

1. Accuracy and Fidelity

Objective: Preservation of the meaning of the message.
1. The interpreter renders all utterances and written
communication faithfully using the same grammatical person
as the speaker or writer. The rendition should sound naturalin the target language and there should be no distortion of
the original message through additions, omissions, or
explanation. The idiom, register, style and tone of the
speaker is preserved.
2. The interpreter advises all parties that everything said in theencounter will be interpreted. If any party requests that theinterpreter refrain from interpreting all utterances, theinterpreter is obliged to inform all other parties of the request
and seek direction.
3. The interpreter retains English words mixed into the otherlanguage, as well as culturally bound terms which have no
direct equivalent in English, or which may have more than
one meaning. Whenever possible, the interpreter willattempt a translation of that word to provide the listener with
an idea of what the word means.
4. The interpreter asks for repetition, rephrasing, or
explanation, if anything is unclear. Upon recognizing that theinterpreter has misunderstood the communication, he/she
identifies the misunderstanding and requests direction fromthe parties involved.

Interpreters strive torender all messages
in their entirety
accurately, as
faithfully as possible
and to the best of
their ability without
addition, distortion,omission orembellishment of themeaning.

5. The interpreter ensures that the meaning of gestures, bodylanguage, and tone of voice is not lost, by replicating what
has been seen or heard by the interpreter.
6. The interpreter uses a mode of interpreting appropriate forthe setting. In most interview situations, spoken-language
interpreting is done in consecutive mode.
7. The interpreter performs summary interpretation (i.e. someof the elements of the communication are not interpreted)
only with the knowledge and consent of all parties.

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

2. Confidentiality

Objective: Protection of the privacy of all parties and theconfidentiality of information.
8. The interpreter advises all parties that she or he will respect
the confidentiality of the encounter. All parties in aninterpreted encounter have a right to expect that theinterpreter will hold information about them in confidence.
9. The interpreter does not disclose information spoken, seenor written outside of the interpreting situation without theexpressed permission of all parties or unless required bylaw. If disclosing the time and/or place of an encounter may
identify the purpose, persons or content, the interpreter shallnot disclose such information.
10. The interpreter may, where collaborative work with otherprofessionals is required, be briefed, or participate in,relevant discussions with other interpreters, members of theteam involved with the other party, authorized
representatives of the interpreting agency and/or theservice-providing institution. Anyone receiving information inorder to provide interpretation service is ethically bound by
the duty of confidentiality.

Interpreters will notdisclose and willtreat as confidential
all information
learned, either
uttered or written in
the performance of
their professional
duties, while
adhering to relevant
requirements
regarding disclosure.

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

3. Impartiality

Objective: Full communication not impeded by any bias orpreference of the interpreter. Avoidance of the perception thatthe interpreter has a preference or bias towards any party
involved in the interpreted encounter.
11. The interpreter remains impartial at all times and informs all
parties of the duty to remain impartial.
12. The interpreter declines to interpret when she or he has apersonal or any vested interest in the outcome of theencounter.

Interpreters strive to

13. The interpreter declines to interpret when his or her
personal or other relationship with any party may affect, orbe perceived by any party to affect, impartiality.

by showing nomaintain impartiality

preference or bias to

14. The interpreter declines to interpret when any situation,
factor, or belief exists that represents a real or potential
conflict of interest for the interpreter.

any party involved in

15. The interpreter discloses to all parties in the encounter any
personal or other relationship that may affect, or beperceived by any party to affect, the interpreter’s impartiality.

encounter.

the interpreted

16. The interpreter informs the interpreter service
agency/organization when he or she has a personal or othervested interest in the outcome of the assignment or when
any situation, factor, or belief exists that represents a real or
potential conflict of interest which will impact an interpreter’sability to interpret everything faithfully and impartially.

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

4. Respect for Persons

Objective: Respect of parties to the interpreted encounter.
Demonstration of an acknowledgement of the inherent dignityof all parties in the interpreted encounter.

Interpreters

17. The interpreter demonstrates respect for all parties.

towards all parties

18. The interpreter promotes direct communication among all
parties in the interpreted encounter.

involved in the

19. The interpreter engages in behaviour that promotes
autonomy and personal choice of the individuals involved in
the interpreted encounter.

encounter.

demonstrate respect

interpreted

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

5. Maintenance of Role Boundaries

Objective: Protection of professional integrity. Reduction of
exposure to liability. Maintenance of emotional well-being andphysical safety of interpreter.
20. The interpreter’s role is to enable communication between
parties, who speak on their own behalf and make their own
decisions.
21. The interpreter does not advocate on behalf of any party.
22. The interpreter does not enter into the discussion, give
advice or express personal opinions about the matter of theencounter, or show reactions to any of the parties.
23. The interpreter does not filter communication, mediate, or
speak on behalf of any party.
24. The interpreter avoids unnecessary contact with the parties.
Prior to the encounter, the interpreter may initiate contact toensure understanding of the language, to confirm details ofan appointment, and to convey any information about theencounter needed by the non-English speaker.

Interpreters strive toperform theirprofessional duties
within theirprescribed role andrefrain from personal
involvement.

25. The interpreter does not perform services other thaninterpretation services for any party.
26. The interpreter utilizes the least obtrusive mode ofinterpretation.
27. The interpreter protects her or his own privacy, well-being
and safety.

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

6. Accountability

Objective: Responsibility for the quality of the interpreter’s work.
Accountability for maintaining role boundaries and standards.
Adherence to laws and standards.
28. The interpreter identifies and corrects interpretation errors
as soon as possible.
29. The interpreter declines assignments that require
knowledge or skills beyond his or her competence.
30. The interpreter informs the parties immediately and requests
direction in the course of an encounter, if it becomesapparent to the interpreter that expertise beyond her or hiscompetence is required.
31. The interpreter maintains his or her role, limits andobligations and takes steps to ascertain that all parties
understand them.

Interpreters are
responsible for thequality ofinterpretation
provided andaccountable to all

32. The interpreter conducts her or himself in compliance withlegislative requirements and generally accepted standardsof the profession.

parties and the

33. The interpreter maintains transparency. When clarification isnecessary, the interpreter says to all parties, “I, theinterpreter, need clarification on….”

engaging theorganizations

interpreter’s service.

34. The interpreter brings to the attention of an appropriate
person any circumstance or condition that impedes fullcompliance with any standard in this document, including
but not limited to conflict of interest, interpreter fatigue,
inability to hear or inadequate knowledge of specialized
terminology, and declines to continue any assignment underconditions that make such compliance patently impossible

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

7. Professionalism

Objective: Maintenance of professional conduct andcomportment.
35. The interpreter behaves in a manner consistent with thehighest professional standards and the protocols andprocedures of the interpreter service agency.
36. The interpreter performs her or his duties as unobtrusively
as possible.
37. The interpreter completes the assignments she or he has
accepted.
38. The interpreter arrives on time at the appointed location of
the encounter.
39. The interpreter remains at the appointed location until theencounter ends or until dismissed.

Interpreters at all
times act in a
professional andethical manner.

40. The interpreter dresses in appropriate business attire forface-to-face encounters.
41. The interpreter does not conduct personal or other businesswhile on an interpreting assignment.
42. The interpreter creates a working environment conducive toperforming interpretation over the telephone.

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Standard of Practice

Ethical Principle

8. Continued Competence

Objective: Achievement of the highest level of competence.
Demonstration of certifications, accreditations, training andexperience. Maintenance and improvement of skills.
43. The interpreter takes available courses and examinations to
obtain accreditation and/or certification.
44. The interpreter maintains and expands skills and knowledge
through self-teaching, formal and informal continuing
education.
45. The interpreter seeks evaluative feedback and practices
self-evaluation concerning performance.
46. The interpreter is prepared to demonstrate her or his
certifications, accreditations, training and pertinent
experience.
47. The interpreter maintains membership in appropriate
professional associations of interpreters and complies withthe code of ethics of such associations.

Interpreters commit
themselves to life
long learning inrecognition that
languages,
individuals, andservices evolve andchange over timeand a competentinterpreter strives tomaintain the deliveryof quality
interpretation.

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Annex II
Language Classification / Working Languages10

Working Languages

Language A:

Source and target

Language in which the interpreter has

language(s)native proficiency in speaking andlistening.
Perfect command of the language.
Active Languages

Language B:

Source and target

A language other than native in which

language(s)the interpreter has full functional
proficiency in speaking and listening.
Perfect command of the language.

Passive Language

Language C:

SourceA language other than native, in which

language(s)the interpreter has full functional
proficiency in listening.

10

AICC / ASTM F2089

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Annex III

Professional Associations
Translators, Terminologists, Conference Interpreters and Court Interpreters.
In Canada, the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) is
recognized as the national body representing professional translators, interpreters andterminologists.
The titles of Certified Translator, Certified Conference Interpreter, Certified Court
Interpreter and Certified Terminologist are now protected by law in four Canadianprovinces:•

British Columbia – Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)•

New Brunswick – Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New
Brunswick (CTINB)•

Ontario – Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)•

Quebec - Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec(OTTIAQ)11

CTTIC prepares, administers and marks a nationally standardized exam (with the
exception of Quebec, where the OTTIAQ has a different certification process) to ensure
consistency; however, the certification of professions is within provincial jurisdiction.
Certification is granted by a recognized provincial association, whether or not protectedby law.12
CTTIC has no individual memberships. Since professional organization is a matter ofprovincial and territorial jurisdiction, CTTIC admits only provincial and territorial bodies,variously called an association, order, society or corporation. Its total membershipconsists of the ten13 member bodies which, in turn, represent their own members. 14

11

In Quebec the only designation for conference and court interpreters is « Certified Interpreter ».

12

OTTIAQ does not take part in the CTTIC standardized exam. The certification is on dossier.

13

Nine active

14

www.cttic.org

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CTTIC Member Organizations
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA)
Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)
Association of Translators, terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM)
Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick (CTINB)
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS)
Nunavut Interpreter / Translator Society Nunattinni Katujjiqatigiit Tusaajinut (NKT)
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Saskatchewan (ATIS)

Signed Language Interpreters
In Canada, the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC) is
recognized as the national body representing professional signed language interpreters.
The nature of this document is to primarily address spoken language interpreting that is
performed in a community context. Many of the issues in this document are issues ofcommon interest to AVLIC, and are shared problems among spoken and signed
language interpreters. While the languages may differ, there is a common desire forincreased standards and practices based on evidence and effective strategies. By
working together, spoken and signed language interpreters can achieve the progress theyboth desire.
Signed Language Interpreters in Canada are represented at the national level by
AVLIC. AVLIC was founded in the late 1970's and has played an active role in shaping
the profession of interpreting. AVLIC has its own Code of Ethics and Guidelines forProfessional Conduct and a Canadian Evaluation System that certifies ASL/English
interpreters.
There are more than 100 natural signed languages used throughout the world.
Interpreters working between a spoken language and a signed language may use
simultaneous or consecutive interpreting as dictated by the interaction and the discourse.
For specifics about AVLIC, see www.avlic.ca

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Annex IV
Healthcare Interpreting
Healthcare interpreting is a specialized area of the interpretation practice. The healthcareinterpreter’s role is to facilitate clear and accurate communication between patients andhealthcare providers in a multilingual healthcare environment.
Healthcare interpreting is a very demanding intellectual and emotional exercise whose
practitioners require training, knowledge of medical terminology and a goodunderstanding of clinical practices and procedures as well as practical knowledge of thehealthcare system.
Healthcare interpreters work at hospitals, clinics, community healthcare centres,
emergency rooms, mental health facilities, long term care facilities and other healthcare
settings. They interpret in a wide variety of situations; these range from in-patient care, topsychiatric evaluations, to organ transplants.
There is a need for common standards for healthcare interpreters across Canada toensure that the public receives interpretation services of a consistent quality in thehealthcare system.
Poor communication as the result of language barriers can leave providers andorganizations open to legal challenges. While interpretation services cost money, a lackof appropriate interpretation can lead to inefficient use of resources and increased cost to
the healthcare system. Among other things, this translates into unnecessary medical
tests, repeat appointments, poor compliance with treatment and no-shows. It may also
result in failure to protect patient confidentiality, to obtain informed consent, or to properly
comprehend the nature of the ailment. Adverse events can also occur as a result of alanguage barrier.

Research indicates that language barriers affect health outcomes for patients because of:•Misdiagnosis•

Wrong referrals•

Wrong treatment•

Longer hospital stays

The lack of qualified interpreters in healthcare settings is a barrier in providing equal
access to healthcare services.

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The use of untrained interpreters poses risks for both the patient and the healthcare
provider. The error rate of untrained interpreters (including family and friends) is
sufficiently high as to make their use more dangerous in some circumstances than having
no interpreter at all15. This is because it lends a false sense of security to both thehealthcare provider and client that accurate communication is actually taking place.
Family and friends also try to minimize the patient's pain and discomfort, and as a result
they try to supply answers instead of letting the patient speak. The use of a child or minor
as an interpreter is absolutely inappropriate and should never happen.
The healthcare provider should ensure that the services of a professional interpreter areavailable, if he/she is unable to communicate with the LEP/LFP patient.
Consecutive is the form most commonly utilized in the day to day healthcare encounters.
Simultaneous is used in cases where it may be inappropriate to interrupt the session suchas mental health encounters or emotionally charged situations. The simultaneous modeis also used in the whispering mode for group meetings and educational sessions.
Healthcare interpreters are at times asked to perform sight translations. Sight translation
implies a very similar mental process to the one used during simultaneous interpreting;however, the source material is in written instead of oral form. For a more accurate andefficient sight translation, the health care provider should allow the interpreter to read theentire document before beginning the oral translation.
Sight translation should only be performed for simple documents. The translation of
specialized healthcare documents requires a certain set of skills from a competenttranslator that the interpreter may not necessarily posses. This type of texts usuallyrequires a lengthy research process and specialized translation tools.
Interpreters should familiarize themselves with the most common forms used inhealthcare settings such as: consent forms, healthcare records, patient instructions andfollow-up procedures.
The healthcare organization is responsible for ensuring that any bilingual healthcare
professional requested to do interpretation, has the linguistic competence and meets all
the expectations set for a professional interpreter.

15

Flores, Glenn. Et al. Errors in Medical Interpretation and Their Potential Clinical Consequences in PediatricEncounters. Research has demonstrated the average medical encounter yielded 31 interpretation errors. The mostcommon error type was omission (52%), followed by false fluency (16%), substitution (13%), editorialization (10%), andaddition (8%). Sixty-three percent of all errors had potential clinical consequences, with a mean of 19 per encounter.
Errors committed by ad hoc interpreters were significantly more likely to be errors of potential clinical consequence thanthose committed by hospital interpreters (77% vs 53%). Errors of clinical consequence included: 1) omitting questions
about drug allergies; 2) omitting instructions on the dose, frequency, and duration of antibiotics and rehydration fluids;3) adding that hydrocortisone cream must be applied to the entire body, instead of only to facial rash; 4) instructing amother not to answer personal questions; 5) omitting that a child was already swabbed for a stool culture; and 6)
instructing a mother to put amoxicillin in both ears for treatment of otitis media.

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As an integral member of the healthcare team, the healthcare interpreter should betreated and respected in the same professional manner as any other healthcare service
provider. As such, the interpreter may be found liable for errors, faults, negligence oromissions committed while interpreting.
The healthcare organization should ensure that the interpreter, as with any other
healthcare provider, has access to and is provided with the information and necessary
protective gear when dealing with infectious diseases.
The healthcare provider is responsible for obtaining informed consent. The interpretercannot be asked to obtain informed consent and should not be asked to serve as witness
to the actual signed document. When consent is obtained with the assistance of aninterpreter, the participation of the interpreter should be documented.16

16

Ibid

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Annex V
Legal Interpreting
Legal interpreting is a specialized area of the interpretation practice. Court interpreters
perform a fundamental role in Canada’s courts by facilitating access to justice for all
persons, regardless of language barriers.
Even though Court Interpreting dates back to the Spanish Colonization of the Americas in
the early 1500s and the Charter of the International Military Tribunal included a clauserelated to language access as an assurance to a Fair Trial during the Nuremberg Trials in
1945-1946; it was only in the late 1970s that, for the first time, the profession started toregulate the quality of interpreting.17
A court interpreter is a "language conduit" whose participation allows an individual who
does not speak or understand English or French to participate meaningfully in a judicial
proceeding. The interpreter has a two-fold duty:
1. To ensure that the proceedings in English/French reflect precisely what was said
to and by a Limited English/French Proficiency speaking person LEP/LFP.
2. To place the Limited English/French Proficiency speaking person LEP/LFP on an
equal footing with those who speak and understand English/French.
In Canada, Court Interpreters interpret for people who come before the courts who cannot
communicate effectively in English or French. These include defendants and witnesses incriminal courts as well as litigants and witnesses in family and civil courts. Interpreters
also work in out-of-court settings such public and private proceedings as attorney-client
meetings, depositions, examinations, witness preparation sessions, and interviews withcourt support personnel (e.g., probation), administrative proceedings (immigration andrefugee cases, workers' compensation hearings, parole boards, etc.).
Despite the widely international recognized right to an interpreter in criminal cases18,
some institutions do not always specify the competencies necessary to work as a Court
Interpreter, nor have the capacity to identify qualified interpreters.

17

Sweden was among the first European Countries to regulate the profession by introducing an interpretation exam in
1976. The US Federal Court introduced the Federal Court Interpreters Act in 1978 to regulate Spanish interpreters. In
Canada the Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia - STIBC developed the Certification exam in theearly 1980’s that was later adopted by the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council - CTTIC.
18
United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 1966. Article 14. #3. American Convention on
Human Rights. 1969. Article 8, paragraph 2. Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 1982, Legal Rights, #14.
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Court interpretation is a demanding intellectual exercise, whose practitioners require
extensive training and a finely-honed ethical sense in addition to a thorough knowledge oflanguages. The legal interpreter requires a native-like mastery of both the language ofthe court and a second language; a wide general knowledge and extensive vocabulary
ranging from formal legal language to colloquialisms and slang; mental and verbal agility;
the ability to deal with lawyers, court personnel, the public, etc.; specialized training andexperience.
Court Interpreters shall abide at all times with the Code of Ethics19, conduct themselves ina manner consistent with the dignity of the court and be as unobtrusive as possible.
The Court Interpreter requires a deep understanding of the terminology and procedures
used in court. Interpreters may be knowledgeable about the civil-law (Roman law)
tradition and may experience a challenge understanding common-law procedures.20
Canada has a very unique situation where Quebec has a hybrid legal system. In Quebec,
private law follows the civil-law tradition while matters of public law follow common law
tradition making matters even more complicated for the Court Interpreter. Understanding
the various stages of the proceedings is crucial for an accurate interpretation.
In contrast to interpreters working in other fields, the Court Interpreter, is not there to
make sure the LEP/LFP person understands, but to give him/her the same chance as anyother person who speaks the language of the Court. Therefore, changing the register, or
simplifying technical matter for the benefit of the defendant or witness may distort andhamper the legal process.
The courts use different modes of interpreting: consecutive, whispered (chuchotage) andsimultaneous. Before starting the session, the interpreter needs to be informed of themode of interpreting expected and any special logistics for the case.
“In the consecutive mode, a skilled court interpreter cannot be expected to retain morethan 100 words (one or two sentences) before intervening to interpret. The ability tocoordinate speaker turn-taking is therefore an essential skill that Court Interpreters must
master”. 21“Following the practice of conference interpreting, lengthy proceedings should beinterpreted by pairs of interpreters who spell each other at appropriate intervals. Evenskilled simultaneous interpreters make errors if they work under inadequate conditions.

19
The Committee for Legal Translators and Court Interpreters of the International Federation of Translators (FIT)
adopted the “Best Practices in Court Interpreting” and the “Code of Conduct for Court Interpreters” at the FIT World
Congress in 1999. Professional Associations have their own Code of Ethics for their members.
20

Civil-law is referred here not to denote the litigation of private rights as opposed to criminal law but as the legal
framework/tradition.

21

Mikkelson, Holly. Introduction to Court Interpreting. T.J. International Limited. Great Britain 2000

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The interpreter needs to be able to see and hear the speaker clearly and the speaker’s
rate of speech must be reasonable”. 22
Legal interpreters are frequently asked to perform sight translation. Sight translation
implies a very similar mental process to the one used during simultaneous interpretation
but the source material is written instead of oral. For a more accurate and efficient sighttranslation, the interpreter should be allowed to read the entire document before
beginning the oral translation.
Sight translation should only be performed for simple documents. The translation of
specialized legal documents requires certain set of skills from a competent translator thatthe interpreter may not necessarily posses. This type of text usually requires a lengthy
research process and specialized translation tools.
Legal interpreters are placed under oath for all sworn proceedings and thus are subject tothe penalties of perjury. The words spoken by a witness are sworn to be the exact words
spoken by that witness; therefore it is testimony. The words spoken by judges, lawyers,
district attorneys, officers of the court, peace officers to a witness are all governed bylaws and rules of procedure.
As with other areas of interpreting, the consequence of errors can lead to serious
ramifications including a mistrial or improperly influenced verdict. Cases can be appealed
and verdicts overturned because of faulty interpretation.
In certain Canadian provinces there is a legally-protected title of Certified Court
Interpreter. The Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council - CTTIC
through its provincial/territorial organizations is the only professional association in
Canada empowered by law to confer this title. (See Annex III)

22

Mikkelson, Holly. Introduction to Court Interpreting. T.J. International Limited. Great Britain 2000

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National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters NAATI. Ethics ofInterpreting and Translation - A Guide to Professional Conduct in Australia.
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators. NAJIT. Code of Ethics andProfessional Responsibilities
NAATI: Role and Functions. [NAATI: National Accreditation Authority for Translators andInterpreters, Australia]. In Translation and Interpreting: Bridging East and West. Selected
Conference Papers. Vol. 8. Ed. Richard K. Seymour and C.C. Liu. Hawaii: University of
Hawaii Press, pp.23-32.
National Council on Interpreters in Healthcare (NCIHC). National Standards of Practicefor Interpreters in Healthcare. September 2005.
NRCTI (National Resource Center for Translation and Interpretation) Outreach Paper.
Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University
Nolan, James. Interpretation Techniques. Multilingual Matters Ltd. Great Britain 2005
Pöchhacker, Franz Introducing Interpreting Studies Routledge. London 2004
Pöchhacker, Franz Miriam Shlesinger (Edited by). The Interpreting Studies Reader
Routledge. London 2002
Roat CE. Healthcare interpreting-an emerging discipline. ATA Chronicle 2000 March:1821.
Roat CE. Certifying medical interpreters: Some lessons from Washington state. ATA
Chronicle 1999 May: 23-26.
Strengthening Access to Primary Healthcare (SAPHC). Literature Review: Examining
language barriers and interpreter services in Canada’s healthcare sector
Wadensjo, Cecilia. Interpreting As Interaction Longman. England 2005

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Websites
Asociación Profesional Española de Traductores e Intérpretes
http://www.apeti.org.es/html/ic_info.htm
Association de l’industrie de la langue/Language Industry Association - AILIA
www.ailia.ca
Asociación española de normalización y certificación - AENOR
http://www.aenor.es/desarrollo/inicio/home/home.asp?cambioidioma=s&pag=0
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario - ATIO
www.atio.on.ca
Association Internationale des Interprètes de Conférence - AIIC
http://www.aiic.net/
Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators - AUSIT
www.ausit.org/ethics
Bow Valley College
http://www.bowvalleycollege.ca/courses_programs/continuing_ed/interpreting.htm
California Healthcare Interpreting Association - CHIA
http://cms.chiaonline.org/
CHOATE, Denise Look. Labour Issues and Interpreters in the California Trial Courts: An
Exchange. Proteus 8:3&4. 1999
www.najit.org/proteus/v8n3-4/exchange_v8n3-4.htm
Colegio mexicano de intérpretes de conferencia CMIC
http://www.interpretacion.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid=73
Cross Cultural Communications
http://www.culturecrossroads.net/resources.htm#code
Cross Cultural Healthcare Program. Bridging the Gap: A Basic Training for Medical
Interpreters. Seattle, Washington. 1996.
http://www.xculture.org/interpreter/overview/ethics.html
Diversity Rx.
http://www.diversityrx.org/html/MOIP.htm
Healthcare Interpretation Network - HIN
www.healthcareinterpretationnetwork.ca
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International Association of Conference Interpreters - AIIC
http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/article24.htm
Institute of Linguists. Code of Conduct of the National Register of Public Service
Interpreters. United Kingdom. 1995.
www.nrpsi.co.uk
International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies - IATIS
http://www.iatis.org/index.php
Mirta Vidal Orrantia Interpreting and Translating Institutehttp://www.orgsites.com/ny/mvoiti/
Michigan University Interpreter Services
http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/interpreters/afr.asp
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators - NAJIT
http://www.najit.org/ethics.html
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters - NAATI
http://www.naati.com.au/
National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare - NCIHC
www.ncihc.org/
Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf. Code of Ethics
http://www.rid.org/coe03.pdf
The Critical Link
http://www.criticallink.org/English/index2.htm
Utah Code of Ethics
http://www.aslterps.utah.gov/policy_code.jsp
Vancouver Community College
http://www.continuinged.vcc.ca/interpreting/index.htm

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