What should interpreters avoid to maintain professionalism?

Maintaining professionalism as an interpreter is closely tied to ethical standards and practices, which include avoiding situations that could lead to conflicting roles. When an interpreter finds themselves in a scenario where they have multiple roles—such as being both an interpreter and a friend or family member—it can compromise their impartiality and the integrity of the interpreting process. For example, if an interpreter is personally connected to one of the parties involved, their ability to convey messages accurately and without bias could be significantly impacted.

This is why avoiding conflicting roles is foundational for interpreters; it helps to ensure that they remain neutral and can facilitate effective communication without personal biases influencing the interpretation. In contrast, personal discussions, accepting assignments, or working independently without feedback might not directly jeopardize the professionalism of the interpreter in the same fundamental way that conflicting roles do.