Interpreter Role, Settings, and Business Practices
Role, setting, and the business of interpreting
Role is context-dependent. Know the classic metaphors-conduit, clarifier, cultural broker, advocate, ally-and their limits. The conduit metaphor understates the interpreter's active meaning-making; the advocate role risks removing consumer agency. Most codes call for impartial, accurate communication with limited, disclosed interventions, such as requesting repetition or clarifying a cultural referent with permission.
Settings demand distinct knowledge: medical (informed consent, HIPAA), legal (proceedings, privileged communication, oaths, sight translation limits), educational (K-12 IEP teams, language and communication plans, developmental versus educational interpreting, postsecondary disability services), community, VRS/VRI, and conference. Know 'qualified interpreter,' 'effective communication,' and auxiliary aids under the ADA.
Business practices trip up strong interpreters: independent contractor versus employee classification, written agreements (scope, rate, minimums, cancellation, payment terms, travel), invoicing, taxes, liability insurance, equipment, continuing education, and certification maintenance. Traps: accepting work outside competence; no written contract; vague scope; undercharging; failing to confirm team interpreting for lengthy or high-intensity assignments; assuming VRI is always equivalent; and role confusion in schools, where the interpreter is not the case manager or tutor.
Worked example: An agency offers a 90-minute legal deposition at a flat rate with no cancellation clause. A sound response confirms scope, start and end, team need, preparation materials, and cancellation and payment terms in writing before accepting. Rule of thumb: if it is not in writing, it is not agreed.