1.

Enumerate 5 reasons why someone should refrain from hiring an informal interpreter (as in
ad-hoc interpreting).

2. Comment on the following quote: “Interpreters have to assume responsibility for their actions
and decisions, which is sometimes difficult, e.g. when a client regards an interpreter as his or her
ally just because s/he belongs to the same ethnic group” (S. Kalina). Refer to 3 different
scenarios when translators and conference/ community interpreters have to (re)consider their
behaviour and assume responsibility for their (re)actions.

3. Consider the scenario below.

Scenario: You are interpreting for a woman who is applying for food assistance at the social services
department. The caseworker denies the application. As you leave the office, the client begs you to
help her change the caseworker’s mind. She tells you it is your duty to help her because you are part
of the same community. She says you know how these services works. This woman has three young
children and only a part-time job. You know they will not have enough to eat without the food
assistance.

Would you advocate in this case? If yes, would you advocate during or after the interpreting
assignment? What principles of the Code of Ethics should apply in this case? Explain.