Codes of Ethics
for Translators
and Interpreters
ATA (American Translators Association)
AATI (Asociación Argentina de Traductores e Intérpretes)
AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Incorporated)
A must for every translator
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ATA´s Code of Professional Conduct and Business
Practices
http://www.atanet.org//certification/online_ethics_code.php
I. As a Translator or Interpreter, a bridge for ideas from one language to another
and one culture to another, I commit myself to the highest standards of
performance, ethical behavior, and business practices.
A. I will endeavor to translate or interpret the original message faithfully,
A faithful translation is one which conveys the message as the
author intended it . For example, a literal word-for-word
translation of “it was raining cats and dogs” would be
nonsensical and would not faithfully convey the original as the
author intended it. The translator would have to find an
equivalent idiom in the target language in order to convey the
meaning of the original. —Think of another situation where a
translation might not convey the message as the author intended
it.
to satisfy the needs of the end user(s).
The translator/interpreter must make an effort to be
informed about the intended audience and the purpose of
the translation. For example, a source text might be
handled differently in translation depending upon whether
it is being used as evidence in a court case or in a
marketing campaign.
—Think of a situation where a “faithful” translation might
not satisfy the needs of the end user.
I acknowledge that this level of excellence requires:
1. mastery of the target language equivalent to that of an educated
native speaker;
Ideally, most professional translators will translate
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in only one direction into one target language.
Some translate from several source languages into
one target language. Interpreters are often called
upon to interpret in both directions.
Translators and interpreters must both have in-
depth knowledge of vocabulary, syntax, grammar,
and culture in both target and source languages.
They must also have broad general knowledge. In
addition, translators must have excellent writing
skills in their target language.
—Do you think that all translators and interpreters
should have college degrees? Why or why not?
2. up-to-date knowledge of the subject material and its terminology in
both languages;
Many translators and interpreters specialize in
fields they have previously studied or worked in.
They become subject-area specialists by taking
courses, collecting parallel texts to extract
terminology, attending conferences, and consulting
with other translators and subject-area experts.
—Do you have an area of expertise in which you
could claim to be a specialist?
3. access to information resources and reference materials, and
knowledge of the tools of my profession;
Translators and interpreters must have excellent
research skills drawing on the Internet, print
materials, list serves, and on-line glossaries for
terminology and background material. Translators
must also have excellent computer skills and be
familiar with software specifically for translators and
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localizers.
—What information resources do you have to draw
on?
4. continuing efforts to improve, broaden, and deepen my skills and
knowledge.
Successful translators and interpreters are
avid readers of a wide variety of material.
They participate in on-line terminology
discussions, and they attend conferences
and other continuing education opportunities
whenever possible. They welcome and
encourage feedback on their work.
—What can you do to broaden your skills?
B. I will be truthful about my qualifications and will not accept any
assignments for which I am not fully qualified.
There is a delicate balance between knowing your
limitations and being willing to take on a new subject area
in order to expand your skills. Self-knowledge at this level
comes with experience and education.
—Think of a subject area in which you should turn down a
potential job.
—Think of a subject area that is beyond your current
range of knowledge in which you would accept a job. Why
would you accept it?
C. I will safeguard the interests of my clients as my own and divulge no
confidential information.
Confidentiality often extends beyond the obvious.
Translators and interpreters must be careful to avoid even
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the perception of breaching confidentiality.
—Think of a translation or interpreting situation in which
confidentiality is not an issue.
D. I will notify my clients of any unresolved difficulties.
“Unresolved difficulties” could be a convoluted source text,
terminological conundrums, the need for a deadline
extension, or anything else that might prevent the on-time
delivery of a quality product.
A translator should inform the client as soon as possible if
he or she does not understand the source text, cannot
confirm terminology, or is not going to be able to meet the
deadline. Interpreters working on-site should inform the
client immediately if problems arise on the job.
—What can a translator or interpreter do if an emergency
prevents him or her from fulfilling the terms of an
agreement?
If we cannot resolve a dispute, we will seek arbitration.
Most disputes have to do with late payment, non-payment,
and/or non-performance. Non-performance disputes can
sometimes be settled by bringing in a third party to
evaluate the translation and reaching a compromise
regarding compensation.
The ATA does not intervene in commercial disputes
between members.
—How would you respond if a client found serious errors
in your translation?
E. I will use a client as a reference only if I am prepared to name a person to
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attest to the quality of my work.
Always get permission before using a client's name as a
reference.
—What are some appropriate ways of informing potential
clients about your past experience and specific projects?
F. I will respect and refrain from interfering with or supplanting any
business relationship between my client and my client's client.
If you are known to an end client through a T&I company,
it is considered unethical to accept work from the end
client even if the end client approaches you.
—What would be an appropriate way to handle the
situation described above?
II. As an employer or contractor of translators and/or interpreters, I will uphold
the above standards in my business.
Most freelance translators and interpreters get
their start working for T&I companies. A translator
or interpreter may work for as many T&I
companies as he or she wants; T&I companies
do not have exclusive contracts with the
translators who work for them.
I further commit myself to the following practices with translators and
interpreters:
A. I will put my contractual relationship with translators and interpreters in
writing and state my expectations prior to work.
It is acceptable for translators and interpreters to negotiate
agreements proposed by T&I companies and to request
changes in contracts.
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—Think of a situation in which the translator or interpreter
might not want to sign a contract without requesting
revisions.
B. I will adhere to agreed terms, payment schedules, and agreed changes,
Unless otherwise stated in a signed contract, T&I
companies should not withhold payment for services
rendered even if there are perceived problems with the
translation or interpreting service. Translators and
interpreters should be paid on time regardless of whether
or not the T&I company has been paid by the end client.
When disputes regarding quality arise, compromises
should be sought.
—Think of a compromise that would work in a situation
where a translation for publication is deemed accurate but
poorly written.
and I will not capriciously change job descriptions after work has begun.
Sometimes clients revise their source texts after the
translator has begun to translate the text. If the content or
length of a project changes after the project has begun,
the terms of the contract, especially compensation and
deadlines, should be revised to reflect the changes in the
scope of the project.
—Think of a situation where the job description might
change after the translator has started to translate.
C. I will deal directly with the translator or interpreter about my dispute.
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If a T&I company is not satisfied with the quality of a
translation, the T&I company should send a copy of the
final edited text to the translator. Disputes about quality
can often be resolved by seeking compromises regarding
compensation.
—Is it a good idea for a T&I company to return a poorly
translated text to the translator for revisions? Why or why
not?
If we cannot resolve a dispute, we will seek arbitration.
Most disputes have to do with late payment, non-payment,
and/or non-performance. Non-performance disputes can
sometimes be settled by bringing in a third party to
evaluate the translation and compromising about
compensation.
The ATA does not intervene in commercial disputes
between members.
—What kind of a compromise might a T&I company and a
translator reach about a non-performance dispute?
D. I will not require translators or interpreters to do unpaid work for the
prospect of a paid assignment.
This refers to the practice of requesting long sample
translations from prospective translators. Translators
should not be expected to translate more than a page or
so as an unpaid sample without compensation.
—If a T&I company requires longer sample translations for
a particular project, what are the possibilities?
E. I will not use translators' or interpreters' credentials in bidding or
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promoting my business without their consent or without the bona fide
intention to use their services.
When bidding on projects, especially government work,
T&I companies are often asked to include the
qualifications of the independent contractors they intend to
work with. T&I companies should not include the names or
CV's of translators or interpreters without the express
permission of the translator or interpreter.
—If a bid requires that a T&I company mention specific
independent contractors, what is an appropriate way to
compile such a list?
F. For translations for publication or performance over which I have direct
control, I will give translators recognition traditionally given authors.
The translator's name should appear on the jacket and on
the title page of book translations.
—Can you think of any other situations where is would be
appropriate to give credit to the translator in print?
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Código de ética de la AATI (Asociación Argentina de
Traductores e Intérpretes)
http://www.aati.org.ar/codigo_etica.htm
Como Traductor/Intérprete miembro de la AATI, me comprometo a cumplir con los
niveles de calidad, conducta ética y práctica profesional que se desprenden del siguiente
Código de Ética.
I. INTRODUCCIÓN
El presente Código tiene por objeto enunciar los principios que orientan la actitud y la conducta
del intérprete o traductor literario, técnico y científico, en tanto miembro de la AATI, en su
desempeño profesional específico. Las normas éticas del presente Código no excluyen otras
no enunciadas expresamente y contemplan el principio de buena fe, con el que obran todas las
personas, sean éstas profesionales o no. Se entiende que ninguna de las normas aquí
incluidas contradice lo expresado en la Constitución Nacional de la República Argentina.
II. ÁMBITO DE APLICACIÓN
1. El siguiente Código de Ética se aplica a todos los profesionales miembro de la
AATI. Es deber inapelable de los miembros de la AATI respetarlo y darlo a conocer a sus
colegas y a la comunidad toda.
2. En el presente Código y a los propósitos de su aplicación, los términos
“traductor” e “intérprete” se utilizarán indistintamente. La misma generalización
se aplica a los términos “traducción” e “interpretación”, en tanto productos de la
tarea específica de los traductores o intérpretes profesionales a quienes
alcanza el presente.
III. PRINCIPIOS DE COMPETENCIA PROFESIONAL
3. Toda traducción deberá ser completa y fiel. Se entiende por completa y fiel aquella que
transmite el mensaje de la manera que mejor se ajusta a la situación comunicativa de
traducción. Los parámetros de dicha situación comunicativa serán los acordados de antemano
con quien encarga la tarea.
4. El ejercicio de la profesión debe ser consciente y digno, por lo que el traductor se
abstendrá de traducir lo que no puede dominar, sea por desconocimiento del tema o por
desconocimiento de alguna de las lenguas de trabajo.
5. El traductor no deberá alegar fallas o errores de terceros cuando su
tarea se vea desmerecida por incompetencia propia.
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IV. PRINCIPIOS DE CONDUCTA PROFESIONAL
IV.1 PRINCIPIO DE RESPONSABILIDAD
6. La labor traductora compromete al traductor cada vez que éste
desarrolla su tarea o representa a la AATI, sea consciente o no de la
responsabilidad que le cabe. Por lo tanto, no se deberá ejercer la profesión de
manera irresponsable, pues esta conducta también menoscaba, directa o
indirectamente, a los colegas o a la institución.
7 El traductor jamás podrá aprovecharse de su técnica para falsear la
verdad.
8 El traductor respetará estrictamente todo compromiso asumido para
realizar su tarea en determinado tiempo y forma.
9 Cuando el traductor esté a cargo de un equipo de trabajo en calidad de
coordinador, gerente de proyectos o similar, deberá establecer con sus
colegas un compromiso escrito en el cual detalle las características de la tarea
y el nivel de expectativa sobre la calidad de la traducción, junto con las
condiciones de trabajo, entrega, pago, etc.
10 El coordinador o gerente de proyectos de traducción/ interpretación será
responsable del trabajo que realizan los miembros de su equipo. En
consecuencia, no podrá nunca alegar fallas o errores de las personas que
trabajan bajo su dirección o a quienes ha delegado la tarea.
11 Ningún traductor deberá arrogarse habilidades que no son propias.
Deberá diferenciar los servicios que presta personalmente de aquellos que
deriva.
12 En el caso de no actuar como supervisor directo de un trabajo que se le encomienda, es
decir, de ser un mero intermediario, el traductor deberá informar de esta circunstancia al cliente
o al colega.
13 El traductor no debe interrumpir la prestación de sus servicios
profesionales sin comunicarlo con antelación razonable, salvo que
circunstancias especiales impidan dicha comunicación.
IV.2 PRINCIPIO DE CONFIDENCIALIDAD
14 El traductor se comprometerá a no divulgar la información recibida
durante la ejecución de su trabajo y a no utilizarla en beneficio propio o de
terceros, o en perjuicio de terceros.
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15 Todo texto –o su reproducción por cualquier medio– es propiedad del
cliente y no puede darse a conocer sin su consentimiento, excepto en casos
extremos, en que causas de fuerza mayor o la Justicia así lo requieran.
16 En caso de trabajo en equipo o de subcontratación, el traductor-
coordinador deberá exigir la misma confidencialidad por parte de los demás
integrantes del equipo.
IV.3 PRINCIPIO DE IMPARCIALIDAD
17 Al aceptar un trabajo, no debe existir ningún prejuicio o conflicto de
intereses que influyan sobre la realización de la tarea. Si éstos existieran, el
traductor debe darlos a conocer y declinar el trabajo o dejar la decisión final en
manos del cliente.
18 El traductor deberá mantener siempre la neutralidad entre las distintas
partes que intervienen en el acto comunicativo y abstenerse de emitir opinión
sobre el contenido del trabajo o la marcha de las negociaciones.
19 El traductor sólo podrá aceptar presentes que impliquen un
reconocimiento a su labor y gratitud por el servicio prestado y no un intento
velado de soborno que pudiera comprometer su integridad profesional.
IV. 4 PRINCIPIO DE DIGNIDAD PROFESIONAL
20 El traductor deberá abstenerse de realizar su tarea cuando su labor facilite actos
incorrectos o punibles; pueda utilizarse para sorprender la buena fe de terceros; o bien
pueda usarse en forma contraria al interés público, a los intereses de la profesión o
para burlar la ley.
21 Ningún traductor deberá permitir que otra persona ejerza la profesión en su
nombre, ni facilitar que otra persona pueda aparecer como profesional sin serlo.
22 Es deber de todo profesional abstenerse de aceptar condiciones que no
garanticen la calidad de su trabajo. Esto implica negarse a trabajar en condiciones
inaceptables en términos de tiempo, ambiente laboral o remuneración. El traductor
deberá oponerse a todo aquello que menoscabe su propio honor o buen nombre o el
de su profesión.
23 El traductor deberá respetar los parámetros de fijación de honorarios mínimos
sugeridos por la AATI, y no aplicará tarifas sustancialmente inferiores, que estimulen la
competencia desleal.
24 El traductor no deberá requerir del cliente una remuneración excesiva
aprovechándose de su necesidad, ignorancia o inexperiencia. .
25 El traductor no deberá realizar gestiones encaminadas a desplazar o
sustituir a un colega en un asunto profesional, haya aceptado éste el trabajo o
no, ofreciendo menor precio o impidiendo la prestación de sus servicios.
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26 El traductor deberá abstenerse también de realizar cualquier acción
maliciosa que atraiga a los clientes de otro profesional.
27 Cuando actúe por derivación de trabajo de otro profesional, el traductor
deberá abstenerse de recibir los honorarios o cualquier otra retribución
correspondiente al colega que le hubiera delegado la tarea, sin su autorización
previa.
28. El traductor no debe formular manifestaciones que puedan significar un
menoscabo a un colega en su idoneidad, prestigio o moralidad en el ejercicio
de su profesión.
29 Toda situación anómala que vaya en detrimento de una conducta ética
deberá resolverse, en primera instancia, estrictamente entre los profesionales
involucrados y, de persistir, dentro del marco establecido por la AATI o, en
última instancia, de acuerdo con la legislación nacional vigente en el fuero civil,
comercial o penal que corresponda, según el caso.
Este documento fue elaborado por las traductoras María Cristina Pinto y Alejandra Mercedes
Jorge, presidenta y vocal de la AATI, respectivamente, y presentado en el IV Congreso
Latinoamericano de Traducción e Interpretación realizado en Buenos Aires del 1 al 4 de mayo
de 2003. Publicado por la AATI en http://www.aati.org.ar/codigo_etica.htm
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AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and
Translators Incorporated) Code of Ethics for
Interpreters & Translators
http://www.ausit.org/eng/showpage.php3?id=650
[Summary version]
General Principles
1. Professional conduct
Interpreters and translators shall at all times act in accordance with the standards of conduct
and decorum appropriate to the aims of AUSIT, the national professional association of
interpreters and translators.
Interpreters and translators should:
• always be polite and courteous, unobtrusive, firm and dignified
• explain their role to clients, encouraging them to speak to each other directly
• allow nothing to prejudice or influence their work, and disclose any possible conflict of
interest
• decline gifts and tips (except token gifts customary in some cultures), explaining to
clients that accepting them could compromise their professional integrity
• ensure punctuality at all times (and if lateness is unavoidable, advise clients
immediately)
• prepare appropriately for assignments and ensure they are completed
• refrain from unprofessional or dishonourable behaviour and refer any unresolved
disputes to the AUSIT Executive Committee and accept its decision.
2. Confidentiality
Interpreters and translators shall not disclose information acquired during the course of their
assignments.
• Interpreters and translators may only disclose information with the permission of their
clients (or if the law requires disclosure).
• If other interpreters or translators are involved in the same assignment and require
briefing, this should be done after obtaining the clients' permission, and all are obliged
to maintain confidentiality.
• No work should be subcontracted to colleagues without clients' permission.
• Translated documents remain the client's property.
3. Competence
Interpreters and translators shall undertake only work which they are competent to perform in
the language areas for which they are "accredited" or "recognised" by NAATI.
• Acceptance of an assignment is a declaration of one's competence and constitutes a
contract. If, during an assignment, it becomes clear that the work is beyond the
interpreter's or translator's competence, they should inform clients immediately and
withdraw.
• Interpreters/translators must clearly specify their NAATI accreditation, level and
language direction, if necessary explaining its significance to clients.
• It is the interpreter's responsibility to ensure that working conditions facilitate
communication.
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• If an interpreter or translator is asked to provide a second opinion or to review
alterations to the work of another practitioner, there should be final agreement between
all interpreters and translators concerned.
4. Impartiality
Interpreters and translators shall observe impartiality in all professional contracts.
• Professional detachment must be maintained at all times. If interpreters or translators
feel their objectivity is threatened, they should withdraw from the assignment.
• Practitioners should not recommend to clients anyone or anything in which they have
personal or financial interest. If for some reason they have to do so they must fully
disclose such interest - including assignments for relatives or friends, or which affect
their employers.
• They should not accept, or should withdraw from, assignments in which impartiality may
be risked because of personal beliefs or circumstances.
• Interpreters and translators are not responsible for what clients say or write. They
should not voice or write an opinion on anything or anyone concerned with an
assignment.
• If approached for service by all parties to a legal dispute, an interpreter or translator
shall offer to work for the first party making the request and notify all parties concerned.
5. Accuracy
Interpreters and translators shall take all reasonable care to be accurate.
They must:
• relay accurately and completely all that is said by all parties in a meeting - including
derogatory or vulgar remarks, non-verbal clues, and anything they know to be untrue
• not alter, add to or omit anything from the assigned work
• acknowledge and promptly rectify any interpreting or translation mistakes. If anything is
unclear, interpreters must ask for repetition, rephrasing or explanation. If interpreters
have lapses of memory which lead to inadequate interpreting, they should inform the
client, ask for a pause and signal when they are ready to continue.
• ensure speech is clearly heard and understood by all present. Where possible (and if
agreed to by all parties), interpreters may arrange a short general conversation with
clients beforehand to ensure clear understanding by all
• provide full evidence of NAATI accreditation or recognition if requested
6. Employment
Interpreters and translators shall be responsible for the quality of their work, whether employed
as freelance practitioners or by interpreting and translation agencies or other employers.
• AUSIT members may set their own rates and conditions in freelance assignments. They
may not accept for personal gain any fees, favours or commissions from anyone when
making any recommendations to clients.
• Interpreters and translators are responsible for services to clients performed by
assistants or subcontracted employees. I&T practitioners employed by colleagues must
exercise the same diligence in performing their duties.
7. Professional development
Interpreters and translators shall continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills.
• They should constantly review and re-evaluate their work performance.
• They should maintain and enhance their skills by study and experience, and keep up to
date with relevant languages and cultures.
8. Professional solidarity
Interpreters and translators shall respect and support their fellow professionals.
They should:
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• assist and further the interests of colleagues, refraining from comments injurious to the
reputation of a colleague
• promote and enhance the integrity of the profession through trust and mutual respect.
Differences of opinion should be expressed with candour and respect - not by
denigration -refraining from behaviour considered unprofessional by their peers.
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