Crosspollination between spoken and signed language interpreters’ ethics: what can we learn from each other?

Footnote1Following in the footsteps of academic proponents of collaboration between spoken and signed language interpreters (SpLIs and SLIs), the authors of this study have bridged their respective areas of expertise to bring these two communities of practice together. This study presents data from a two-phase empirical investigation into the attitudes – understood as beliefs and perceptions – of SpLIs and SLIs towards the principles set out in various codes of ethics. The research design comprised an online questionnaire and three focus groups. The analysis was conducted from diachronic and synchronic perspectives, taking into account language modalities of the participants, as well as their professional experience. The findings confirmed substantial similarities and differences between SpLIs and (deaf and hearing) SLIs in defining and applying professional ethics. As a result, the authors advocate for close collaboration between the two groups of interpreters, which would enhance exchange of knowledge and experience and thus prepare them for the developments of the ever-evolving profession.