5. Respect
Principle: Interpreters treat all parties with respect, honoring each party's dignity, privacy, cultural values, individual autonomy, and areas of expertise.
Objective: To honor the dignity and autonomy of all participants in the healthcare encounter.
Standards of Practice
5.1 Respect the communicative autonomy of those for whom we interpret.
Prompt: Am I consistently aware that each person has the right to express themselves freely, in their own words and style?
Example: Interpreters allow individuals to express themselves at their own pace, respecting pauses, hesitations, and the speaker's natural rhythm to preserve the authenticity and intent of the message. Interpreters convey the full meaning of the message accurately and without omission, even if the content is offensive or causes discomfort.
See more examples & commentary
5.2 Respect the decision-making autonomy of those for whom we interpret.
Prompt: Am I keeping in mind that each person has the right to make decisions for themselves?
Example: Interpreters maintain a respectful demeanor even when they do not agree with the person's choices. Interpreters avoid manipulating the message to convince a participant to make the choice they think is best.
See more examples & commentary
5.3 Promote direct communication among the parties in the encounter.
Prompt: Am I supporting the conversation without becoming part of it? Is my body language or position encouraging the participants to speak to each other rather than to me?
Example: The communication and therapeutic relationship between the patient and the provider remain at the center of the interpreted encounter.
See more examples & commentary
5.4 Use professional and culturally appropriate ways of showing respect.
Prompt: What information do I need to ask for in order to use polite forms of address?
Example: Interpreters greet patients and providers politely, using culturally appropriate forms of address.
See more examples & commentary
5.5 Share relevant, missing information if it is clear no one else is going to share it.
Prompts:
- Is the information relevant to the goals of the participants in the current encounter?
- Is the information objective and verifiable (not just my own opinion)?
- What is the best way to ensure the participants are aware of the information? Can I ask one of them to share the information with the other?
- If the information is medical, consider how to maintain confidentiality of relevant parties.
- If none of the participants know the information, interpreters share it with all participants politely and succinctly.
- Return to interpreting so they can discuss and decide what to do with the information.
Example: Interpreters share relevant institutional information if it supports the goal of communication and understanding. Interpreters who are aware of a program that might benefit the patient may share the information.