Universal Truths Related to Ethics of Interpreting

 For discussion purposes:

•  Truth 1: Situations are not always “black or white”.
   

•  Truth 2: You may have to deal with a situation that has two   “rights”
   

•  Truth 3: Even though there are several issues and perspectives, not all adhere to the RID Code of Conduct.
   

•  Truth 4: After you consider all the issues and perspectives,   you may still make an error in judgment. 
   

•  Truth 5: When there is an error in judgment, while it may be minor in its consequences, it can be an opportunity to learn and grow.
   

• Truth 6: As you strive to be the best interpreter you can become, there may be a client who is not satisfied with your work.
   

• Truth 7: In order to become an interpreter, its helps to develop a thick skin for those criticisms aimed at you personally.
   

• Truth 8: You may experience injustice in your profession. Learn to choose your battles.
   

• Truth 9: Like other groups of people, you may meet some Deaf people who are not pleasant or nice. Likewise, you may meet some interpreters who are not pleasant or nice.
   

•  Truth 10: Your teachers may have different perspectives. As a professional, you will develop your sense of right from wrong, how you make a decision about a situation, and be clear as to your reasons. That will be your Ethics as an Interpreter.

Brenda Aron 2007