What is ISO 20611:2018

ISO 20611:2018, titled "Interpreting - Guidelines for Interpreting in Specific Settings," is an international standard that provides guidelines and best practices for professional interpreters working in various specific settings. This standard aims to ensure the quality and consistency of interpretation services by outlining the necessary skills, competencies, and ethical considerations for interpreters.

Importance of ISO 20611:2018

In today's globalized world, effective communication across languages and cultures is crucial. Interpreters play a vital role in facilitating this communication, and ISO 20611:2018 helps ensure that their work meets high standards. This standard is important for several reasons:

Quality Assurance: ISO 20611:2018 sets forth criteria for interpreter competence, including language proficiency, subject matter knowledge, interpreting skills, and cultural understanding. By adhering to these guidelines, interpreters can maintain a high level of quality in their work.

Consistency: The standard promotes consistency in interpretation services by providing a common framework for interpreters to follow. This ensures that clients receive uniform and reliable service regardless of the interpreter or the setting.

Client Confidence: ISO 20611:2018 instills confidence in clients who rely on interpretation services. It assures them that professional interpreters are adhering to recognized standards, which translates into accurate and effective communication.

Application of ISO 20611:2018

ISO 20611:2018 is applicable to a wide range of interpreting settings, including legal, healthcare, business, conference, and community interpreting. Each setting has its unique challenges and requirements, and this standard addresses them by providing specific guidance for interpreters in these contexts.

In legal settings, for example, interpreters must possess a thorough understanding of legal terminology and processes. ISO 20611:2018 emphasizes the need for accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, and the ethical responsibilities of legal interpreters.

In healthcare, interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between patients and medical professionals. The standard outlines the importance of patient confidentiality, cultural sensitivity, and the specific skills necessary for medical interpretation.

Conference interpreting involves simultaneous interpretation during large-scale events. ISO 20611:2018 addresses the technical aspects of conference interpreting, such as equipment usage, team coordination, and handling high-pressure situations.

Conclusion

ISO 20611:2018 serves as a valuable resource for professional interpreters and organizations that provide interpretation services. By following the guidelines set forth in this standard, interpreters can ensure their work meets the highest quality standards, resulting in accurate and effective communication across languages and cultures.