Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics determines the basic rules and rights of sign language interpreter. The sign language Code of Ethics is created with a view to fill up the Deaf right to fully valuable communication. 

Czech Chamber of Sign Language Interpreters has defined these basic ethical behaviour principals to protect the sign language interpreters and their clients, Deaf and hearing:

• Professional interpreter is a person who converts fully the message from initial language to target language. He/she is a bridge between a hearing and a Deaf person, between their languages and their cultures. He/she explaines, adds not even restricts nothing himself. He/she interprets truly the way of expressing; he/she doesn’t change the meaning and content of message. Interpreter doesn’t aim at being active during communication.

• Interpreter follows exactly the way of communication the Deaf client prefers

• Interpreter accepts only orders that correspond with his abilities and qualification. He/she is fully responsible for the quality of his work. In case interpreter finds out that communication with a certain client is too difficult for him, he/she refuses the order.

• Interpreter adapts his/her behaviour and the way of being dressed suitably to the situation

• Interpreter is under obligation of discretion that refers to everything that interpreter gets to know during non-public interpreting.

• Interpreter never refuses his client by reason of his nationality, race, religious denomination, political (party) affiliation, social status, sexual orientation, age, intellectual ability and reputation

• Interpreter has the right to refuse the practice of his profession by the reason of unsuitable conditions for him/her or in that case he/she is not able to stay neutral towards the message and so he could corrupt the client, himself/herself (interpreter) or his profession.

• Interpreter follows his profession development here in our country and also abroad, he/she studies and learns of Deaf culture, he/she complements his/her knowledge of this issue (hearing impaired) and he/she constantly rises his professional level.

• Interpreter respects his profession; he/she seeks to cooperate with other interpreters on assertivity and defence of their common professional interests.

• Czech Chamber of Sign Language Interpreters and its members respect each other.

• Interpreter has the knowledge of this Code of Ethics and he/she complies with it.

Česká komora tlumočníků znakového jazyka
Ocelářská 35/1354
190 00 PRAHA 9
Czech Republic
Tel./fax: +420 281918747
email: cktzj@cktzj.com