The Role of Ethics in Translation

Introduction

Ethics refers to moral principles that govern a person's behavior or conducting an activity.
Translators often face ethical dilemmas that can influence their work decisions.

Consider personal convictions:
- Accepting jobs aligned or conflicting with personal ethics.
- Examples: translating for companies with controversial practices (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, child labor).
Self-reflection:
- Ask yourself if you are comfortable with the subject matter.
- Consider whether you want your name associated with the content.

Freelancers may feel pressured to accept lucrative projects that conflict with their values.
Common logical fallacy: "If I don’t translate it, someone else will."

Linguistic Competence:
- Only accept jobs if confident in language skills.
Knowledge of Subject Matter:
- Accept jobs only in areas of expertise (e.g., legal, medical).
Refusal of Uncomfortable Work:
- Refuse to translate if you disagree with the message.
Alterations with Consent:
- Do not alter a text without the author's permission.
Request Necessary Documents:
- Ask for additional context to ensure accurate translation.
Respect Privacy Rules:
- Follow regulations to protect client confidentiality.
Name Recognition:
- Ensure your name is credited in book and academic translations.
Avoid Harm to Fellow Translators:
- Refuse work that could negatively impact another translator.
Professionalism:
- Maintain professionalism in all communications.
Cultural Sensitivity:

Impartiality:
- Do not let personal opinions alter the translation.
Communication with Clients:
- Inform clients of any inconsistencies in the source material.

Ethics play a crucial role in the decision-making process for translators.
Encouragement for translators to consider their own ethical boundaries and communicate them effectively.