Which standard of practice is followed by an interpreter when they avoid expressing personal feelings during an interpreting session?

• A. Advocacy
• B. Impartiality
• C. Confidentiality
• D. Role boundaries

Answer: (B)

The standard of practice that is relevant when an interpreter avoids expressing personal feelings during an interpreting session is impartiality. This principle emphasizes the importance of the interpreter remaining neutral and unbiased, which is essential for ensuring that the message conveyed is accurate and free from the interpreter's personal opinions or emotions. By adhering to impartiality, interpreters maintain the integrity of the communication process between the parties involved and help to create a professional environment where the focus remains on the content of the conversation rather than the interpreter's personal views.

This standard is critical in healthcare settings, as it fosters trust among patients and providers, ensuring that the interpreters are facilitating effective communication without allowing their own feelings to influence the dialogue. Interpreters are tasked with articulating what is said in a manner that is true to the speaker's intent, and being impartial is a key component in achieving that objective.