By Mabel Fan
 

The Interpreting code of conduct requires us to be professional, this is understood to mean complete impartiality, neutrality and accuracy. The foundational ethical principle requires interpreters to act as impartial, objective conduits of meaning, free from personal bias, opinions or cultural prejudice. These qualities are essential, but they are only part of the full picture in practice. Face to face interpreting is carried out in moments that are often complex and nuanced.

In these situations, the real challenge lies in balancing a professional and precise approach, whilst being deeply aware of the human impact of the words being conveyed.

Interpreting at the centre of vulnerable and serious exchange

I have been working as a Cantonese and English interpreter for over eight years. Prior to this I have held positions at my local council Health and Social Care and NHS Mental Health Services. My experience in healthcare settings has proven to be invaluable in a career in interpreting. The most crucial lesson I have learnt is that our profession is positioned at the centre of a vulnerable and serious exchange. The language we are bound to use is not abstract, it is precise, it often carries diagnoses, decisions, consequences, and sometimes devastating news. This includes everything from giving direction from a judge in court to informing a patient that they only have months to live due to their terminal illness.

Our training teaches us to deliver messages with a non-emotional face. To deliver accurate messages between languages, in formal settings, but there is also an underlying requirement for compassion. When faced with a terminally ill patient, should one remain emotionless, and sterile? There is a very fine balance, especially where legal and health meet, that with experience, allows compassion into the profession, whilst still adhering to the code of conduct.

Professionalism vs compassion

Professionalism demands accuracy above all else. Altering tone, omitting details, or attempting to soften difficult messages, can compromise trust and outcomes. At the same time, a purely mechanical delivery risks alienating the very people the service is meant to support. Compassion does not mean changing the message, it is reflected in how the message is delivered. Pace, clarity, and sensitivity to cultural context all play a role. A measured tone, appropriate pauses, and an awareness of when a speaker or listener needs time to process information can make an enormous difference without crossing professional boundaries.

Considering the clients’ needs

The profession requires us to work with people from all ages, from young children to the elderly, each with different needs and vulnerabilities. A child may struggle to understand formal language or the seriousness of a situation. An older person may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or fearful, particularly if they are navigating an unfamiliar system in an unfamiliar language.  The job requires us to be culturally sensitive, and we need to be able to quickly assess the environment and the nature of each job in a short space of time. This is where understanding the differences between authority, family roles, and emotional expression becomes very important. Particularly, I have found that elderly people tend to not know their patient rights when navigating the NHS. Some of them do not appreciate that they can ask a wide range of questions related to their health. They are typically led by the professional without creating discussion around their treatment. This is primarily due to feeling vulnerable when going to healthcare premises. It is an important part of my role to make them feel at ease, not to lead them and give advice, but to make them feel comfortable interacting with me, and by extension the professionals dealing with their care.

Ultimately, in the healthcare setting, our job is to ensure that communication is not only accurate, impartial, but also humane. With a degree of compassion and empathy that allows interpreters to connect meaningfully with those we serve. The balance lies in acknowledging the emotional weight of an interaction without absorbing it or letting it influence the accuracy of the interpretation. That said, detachment is one of many of the vital skills that interpreters are required to have.

In conclusion

Professionalism provides reliability and trust. Compassion ensures dignity and respect. When these two elements are held in balance, we offer a service that is much more than just the translation of words. We are offering the necessary professional, technical, practical and theoretical knowledge, and skills, adjusted to the ever-changing nature of the environments we work in.

Mabel Fan MCIL is a Chartered Linguist working in English<>Cantonese/Mandarin/Hakka. She came to interpreting after a career in local government and NHS since 2017. She has specialised in legal and healthcare interpreting, primarily in Cantonese and English, but also Mandarin and Hakka (a rare language). Mabel gained her CIOL and NRPSI membership in 2023 after passing the DPSI exam in law level 6 and I hasn't looked back since. Providing the best possible service is her passion, and she prides herself on her experience, precision, discretion and adaptability. Outside of her professional life, Mabel enjoys hiking and spending time in nature. Recently she climbed Snowdon, and has also taken up Kung fu and achieved her first graded level. These activities keep her grounded, focused, and continually learning.

You can find Mabel on LinkedIn.