According to the RAE dictionary, ethics is the “set of moral norms that govern the behavior of the person in any area of life”. And if we focus even more on the point at hand, we could say that work ethics consists of being honest with our moral considerations in the field of work.
In other words: Be faithful to our ethical and moral values in what concerns ourselves, to the relationship with our colleagues, clients and colleagues by profession.
It is evident that certain professions demand a stronger sense of ethics than others. For example, in doctors, judges and journalists Ethical virtues are of special importance. But also the work of translation and the interpretation It requires a developed ethical sense. We see it below.
ethical assumptions that a translator or interpreter of
languages
The translation It is a social and human activity. This means that the translator, in his day to day, he will be in contact with varied and even conflicting people, cultures and interests. It is in those situations where the ethical sense of translator It should prevail over the rest of the factors.
Some ethical dilemmas that a translation professional may face:
– Should the translator accept a job even knowing that it lacks the necessary specialization in the field?
– Is it lawful to improve, with our translation, certain original texts that, perhaps, we consider mediocre?
– To what extent is it ethical to translate? texts that they radically move away from our political ideas, that they advocate for violence or that they are sexist or racist?
– Is it ethical to offer far below market prices just for the purpose of expanding our experience?
– Should the translator provide translation services to companies with which he does not agree ideologically or with which he does not coincide in his way of acting
within the market?
In this kind of situation, the translator will face problems that surpass the merely linguistic, the main nucleus of the translation professional. As we said, the work of the translator influences the society in which he lives, so all these situations must be considered carefully and, why not say it, with a certain philosophy.
Deontological and good practice codes: solutions for translation professionals
Throughout the world, the different associations of translators and interpreters have developed their own ethical codes, rules of behavior and action that aim to provide clarity in complex or delicate situations.
In our country, the National Association of Translation and Interpretation Companies (Aneti) has developed a Ethics Code for the exercise of the profession. It is a code that does not have legal validity, but that despite everything is very helpful for professionals in the field.
In addition to a series of general duties, the document addresses important issues such as acceptance of jobs that fall within our capabilities or honestly treat our clients and collaborators.
Prepare a declaration of principles that formalizes ethical values and
morals of each professional
As a general rule, the translator must be able to develop a solid and guaranteed translation despite the fact that his opinion is opposed to the one expressed in the text. However, if the original text expresses an idea that is totally contrary to the translator’s considerations, it may be convenient to reject the project.
An example: If the translator manifests himself totally against animal cruelty, would it be ethical for you to translate an advertising text from a company, let’s say, dedicated to fur?
As we can see, deal with the sector business It sometimes leads to numerous problems for translators. For this reason, the prior preparation of a declaration of personal principles can be of great help.
In this Declaration of Principles it can be specified what types of texts will not accept, for moral reasons, the translator or the translator. This statement can be sent to the translation agencies with which you collaborate or potential clients, in order to make the limits of each professional in advance marked.
On NUADDA We have been doing professional translations for more than 20 years and working with clients who share our values. If you need more information contact our team of translators And find out how we can help you.
