填空题
.Governing Norms of Conduct of the Interpretation
A. Interpreters, regardless of the setting they are interpreting in, are bound by a code of ethics. The Webster's dictionary defines ethics as follows: "a group of moral principles or set values", "the principles of conduct governing an individual or a profession", "standards of behavior". In fact, the practice of any profession is regulated according to desirable patterns to guarantee that members of such a profession maintain a professional conduct and comply with certain norms. Accuracy, confidentiality, impartiality and reliability are the main governing norms of conduct of the interpreting profession. If these four are not observed, it is considered a serious violation of the code of ethics and the interpreter could find himself/herself facing serious legal repercussions(后果).
B. Interpreters shall render everything that is said by everyone who is present in a meeting. The message should be interpreted completely and accurately including nonverbal communication. Since interpreting involves verbal and nonverbal communications, nonverbal communications such as facial expressions and gestures could be central to an accurate understanding of the message. The interpreter, however, does not need to imitate the speaker's facial expressions and gestures, but should rather convey the feelings behind them whether annoyance, excitement, unhappiness, etc.
C. Accuracy in interpreting should not be limited to transferring words from one language into another. Words as such are not the only elements of accurate interpreting, but rather the message. "The message is a complex communication event of which only one part, some would say a very small part, is made up of words." Accuracy thus extends beyond literal translation of individual words to a faithful rendition(翻译) of the message. Accuracy also extends to adequate usage of idioms and correct collocations in both languages. Idioms such as the "devil's advocate", "prevention better titan cure" are meaningless if interpreted literally.
D. Accurate interpreting involves, as well, a rendition of errors, repetitions, swear words, abusive language, and incoherencies. This is particularly significant for mental health cases as it could be the basis for the assessment of the patient state of mind. Accuracy involves also the register. The same register should be maintained in medical consultations. Should the interpreter adopt a higher or a lower register than that of the patient, he/she might mislead the doctor about the patient's knowledge. In brief, interpreters should not attempt to omit, add, polish, simplify or alter the speech of the speaker. In fact, it is important that health professionals listen not only to the content of the message but also how the message is expressed.
E. Register is a variety of speech. The basic two registers in any language are the informal and formal ones or the high variety of the language and the low variety. Informal register of most languages has a simple structure and displays all forms of familiar, intimate, vulgar expressions. Informal register includes colloquial(口头的) words while formal register resorts to classical ones, has a more complex structure and displays formal and polite features. In a medical setting, health professionals often lower the register and avoid using complex structures and bookish classical words as they may frighten the patient. However, the register of any written material given to interpreters for sight translation is formal.
F. Interpreters should keep all information obtained during an interpreting session confidential. Information can only be disclosed if required by law. Sometimes Health Care Interpreters find it necessary and important to brief other members of their team about particular cases. Confidentiality in such circumstances extends to the whole team? In a health Care setting, often interpreters face situations where they are confided in. This happens often either while waiting with clients or when a Health Care Professional steps out of the room. In those situations, interpreters are bound by extreme confidentiality unless it is a child abuse or domestic violence. Patients may also confide in interpreters in the presence of the other party. To eliminate such a problem, it is very useful that interpreters establish the ground rules explaining to their clients that any information disclosed while both parties are present would be interpreted.
G. Interpreters should remain impartial at all times regardless of their beliefs, thoughts, and opinions. Interpreters should be very objective, and should maintain a professional detachment. Interpreters have to maintain a professional distance with both the service provider and the non-English speaking client. Health Care Interpreters are expected to give information but not professional advice. Most often, clients do ask for their advice whether it is to go ahead with an operation, or what should they tell the social worker to guarantee a department of housing. Similarly, Health Care Providers may ask the Interpreter to assess the patient's honesty. Politely but firmly, the interpreter should refuse to give any advice. Health Care Interpreters may only provide cultural information to the Health Care Provider if it is necessary for better understanding of the patient. Some cultural practices, beliefs and traditions may seem very strange to a mono-cultural Health Care Provider if not explained by the interpreter. HCP may assume that these beliefs are an indication of a mental illness. Thus providing cultural information for effective communication should not be confused with assuming another role.
H. Interpreters should avoid showing signs of boredom, irritation, disbelief, or contradiction. Often, interpreters interpret for clients, with whom they do not share the same opinion be it religious or political. In such situations, they have to be very careful not to let their feelings interfere with their role; they are there to interpret and not to debate their opinion. If it becomes obvious to either the client or the service provider that the interpreter is not impartial, that could make a ground for a complaint.
I. In addition to updating their language skills, Health Care Interpreters have to continuously update their knowledge and attend specialist training in health care topics. The NSW health department has set up a Professional Development Committee for Health Care Interpreters. Its role is to identify the need for training and accordingly deliver training for Health Care Interpreters. These courses are: Basic Orientation Course, Mental Health Course, Ethics Workshop, Interpreting in Specialist Health Care Areas, etc. All Health Care Interpreters have to attend a medical terminology (术语) course. All staff interpreters and some of the casual interpreters attend regular in-service training sessions on current medical or ethical issues. Interpreters should not recommend business to any of their clients while they are carrying an interpreting assignment. Interpreters should not accept appointments if impartiality is jeopardized. Although the following are not issues that fall under the umbrella of ethics, they are assumed to have some ethical proportion: competence, qualifications, expertise, preparation, professional conduct, politeness/courtesy, maintain honesty/integrity/dignity, punctuality.