Moral Issues in the Translation World

The area of translation services, like any other profession, confronts a number of ethical or moral issues that every practitioner should be aware of.

In our  shrinking world, interpreters and translator are efficient mediums for effective communication. Thus, most often clients rely on translators and interpreters that provide them efficiency and reliable translation from the original source. Many people are concerned about the professional ethics in different areas of specialization. However, in the world of translation services, few people consider the ethical responsibilities of the translators.

In some countries, there are codes of conduct that provide guidelines on issues such as guarantees of quality, confidentiality or independence. As clients rely on the translators and interpreters, the latter  must provide a translation that does full justice to original source. The translation must cover all the meanings and connotations of the source text and should not add any other materials from the translator’s point of view or personal opinion.

Another common issue that some translators and interpreters may encounter is errors from the source text. In every profession there is a so-called “duty of loyalty”. Any error should be copied into the translation; however, it may be inconsistent to some of the professional translator’s common sense. It is most likely that they will produce an error-free translation, which and better than the original source. The only remedy about the issue is to consult the client about the matter.

Translation, whether carried out by individuals or translation agencies, is not just about converting text to a target language. This means that if the translator thinks that he is not capable enough to translate in that specific area, he or she must not take the risk, but should swallow their pride and take this obligation seriously .

Translators should know the purpose of the translation, whether it could be used for illegal purposes for example. If, for example, in the area of technical translation, the translator has been instructed to translate bomb-making instruction or terror plans, he would be definitely responsible for the attacks committed as well. Thus, it is important to know who needed the translation and for what purpose it was required. If there was only a vague purpose given by the client, no professional and skillful translator should accept the order for such a translation. However, if the order is from government authorities, the translator should (in most cases) feel able to accept the job for it may for example serve for further studies against terrorist practices.

Just like any other profession, morality in the translation world can be at risk as well, if he or she will not follow the right guidelines of ethics in the translation business. Some issues will draw several questions about the rights of the translator.

The moral welfare of the translators will be affected if the problems will continue to exist and if translators will not the follow the ground rules of the translation business. Hence, a professional and confident translator should think deeply first what the possible outcomes in the future are of accepting any given translation job from his clients.

Article Tags: Translation World, Original Source, Translator Should

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