The do's and don'ts in court interpreting: a functional approach to aprofessional code

Abstract

Recent observations of criminal trials still disclose, albeit in some cases only, inconsistencies, irregularities and many sorts of court interpreter misdemeanours. Instances of inaccuracy, lack of proficiency and general incompetence pervade the service. The misunderstanding of the role of the court interpreter by the practitioners themselves, the other court personnel, as well as accused persons and witnesses is the main reason for the inefficient service. State intervention is long overdue. This article, therefore, proposes suggestions in the development of a code of professional conduct for the service of court interpreting in South Africa. The author has examined various codes used by established court interpreter associations far and wide as invaluable sources of reference. The co-operation of several experienced senior court interpreters, to whom I am indebted, as well as the discussions with some of the students registered for the BA degree in Court Interpreting at Unisa has also been invaluable in drafting these suggestions.