Ethics of signed language interpreting/translation 3200-M2-4ETJM

The course is designed to introduce students to a variety of ethical theories and concepts described and applied in the context of translation and interpreting, including signed language interpreting. Codes of ethics applicable to interpreters, their rationale, and methods of application will be discussed. Models for dealing with ethical dilemmas arising in signed language interpreting will also be presented, including the Demand-Control Schema, Role-space, decision-making processes, think-aloud and think-back protocols, and reflective practice. Students will become familiar with the latest literature on ethics in public service and conference interpreting and will practice, through specially designed role-play scenarios, ethically challenging interpreting situations. Methods of resolving ethical dilemmas in interpreting situations will be discussed from the perspectives of both hearing and Deaf participants. The course aims to prepare students for ethically informed and reflective professional practice in the contemporary world and to equip them with tools for handling ethically challenging situations.

The following topics will be covered during the course:

1. Definitions of ethics and professional ethics (deontological vs. teleological approaches)
2. Codes of ethics in the interpreting profession
3. Concepts of the interpreter’s role and models for addressing ethical dilemmas (Demand-Control Schema, Role-space, decision-making processes, think-aloud and think-back protocols, reflective practice)
4. Dynamics of relationships and power within the Deaf–interpreter–hearing triad

Student's workload (2 ECTS):

30 contact hours,
15 hours of independent student work (reading assignments, class preparation, homework).

If it is not possible to conduct classes onsite, the course will be delivered using remote communication tools, most likely Google Meet and other platforms recommended by the University of Warsaw

The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).

Course coordinators

Aleksandra Kalata-Zawłocka

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course is intended for students who have completed the first year of the Master's programme in Polish Sign Language interpreting.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student:
KNOWLEDGE

- has advanced knowledge of specialized terminology in the field of translation and interpreting ethics (K_W03)
- has advanced knowledge of the fundamental issues related to translation and interpreting of signed languages (as well as spoken languages) as interlingual and intercultural phenomena (S4_W05)
- has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of their linguistic choices in interpreted communication (K_W08)
- is aware of their role as a linguistic and cultural mediator in ensuring communication in accordance with the principles of professional ethics (K_W11)
- has an advanced understanding of the working environment of a signed language interpreter and of the processes involved in various types of translation and interpreting: translation as well as spoken/signed language interpreting (conference and community interpreting) (S4_W08)
- has advanced knowledge of the economic and legal conditions of work and the principles governing the functioning of a professional signed language interpreter on the translation and interpreting market (K_W10, S4_W07)

SKILLS
- is able to communicate in their native and foreign languages in a variety of professional situations with specialists, using different channels as well as communication techniques and strategies for this purpose (K_U05)
- is able to independently acquire knowledge in the fields of translation/interpreting and ethics, and assess the usefulness of learned methods, practices, and procedures in their own professional activity (K_U09)
- is able to independently plan and pursue their own learning and continuously develop ethical awareness using their knowledge of foreign languages (K_U10)
- is able to cooperate with representatives of both Deaf and hearing linguistic and cultural communities (K_U11)
- is able to communicate, in a manner understandable also to non-specialists, issues related to translation and interpreting of signed languages to clients, institutions, and recipients of interpreting services, and to appropriately justify ethical decisions and interpreting strategies adopted (S4_U05).

SOCIAL COMPETENCES
- recognizes the importance of up-to-date knowledge in the field of translation and interpreting ethics and of the critical evaluation of received content (K_K01)
- is prepared to adequately identify and resolve problems of interlingual and intercultural communication, including ethical dilemmas (K_K02)
- is prepared to perform the work of a linguistic mediator in accordance with the principles of professional ethics (K_K05)
- is prepared to recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive, practical, and ethical problems and to seek expert opinions when necessary (K_K06)
- is prepared to responsibly perform the professional role of a signed language translator/interpreter, taking into account changing social and market needs (S4_K07)
- is prepared to uphold the professional ethos of the interpreting profession and to observe and further develop the principles of professional ethics for interpreters (S4_K08)

Assessment criteria

The course is assessed on the basis of:

- continuous assessment (class preparation and participation),
- assessment of homework assignments and additional tasks,
- assessment of the oral examination, conducted according to the instructor’s guidelines.

The course concludes with an oral examination. The rules for passing the course during the resit session are the same as those applied during the main examination session.

All assessment components are graded according to the following percentage scale:

99%–100% — 5!
91%–98% — 5
86%–90% — 4.5
76%–85% — 4
71%–75% — 3.5
60%–70% — 3
0%–59% — 2

Detailed requirements and assessment criteria are determined by each instructor for a given course cycle.

Two absences per semester are permitted. Exceeding this limit without justification results in failure to complete the course and obtain a passing grade. In special cases, absences may be made up by completing additional assignments specified by the instructor.

Bibliography

Baixauli-Olmos, L. (2017), “Ethics codes as tools for change in public service interpreting: symbolic, social and cultural dimensions”, JoSTrans, Vol. 28 (July): 250-272.

Biernacka, A. D., Kalata-Zawłocka, A. (2021), “One ethics for all? A comparative study of the Polish codes of ethics for spoken and signed language interpreters”, [w:] R. Moratto, D. Li, red. Global Insights into Public Service Interpreting. Theory, Practice and Training, London and New York: Routledge.

Biernacka, A., Kalata-Zawłocka, A. (2024) „Etyka tłumaczy ustnych języków fonicznych i tłumaczy języków migowych: Od teoretycznych rozważań do praktycznych rozwiązań”, Między Oryginałem a Przekładem 30(1), 93–116.

Cokely, D. (2000), “Exploring Ethics: A Case for Revising the Code of Ethics”, Journal of Interpretation (RID): 25-60.

Dean, R. K., Pollard Jr., R. Q. (2022), “Improving interpreters’ normative ethics discourse by imparting principled reasoning through case analysis”, Interpreting and Society: An Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol. 2(1) (March): 55-72.

Hale, S. (2007), Community Interpreting. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.

Janzen, T., Korpinski, D. (2005), “Ethics and professionalism in interpreting” [w:] T. Janzen, red. Topics in Signed Language Interpreting. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.

Kalata-Zawłocka, A. (2017), Społeczne i językowe konteksty tłumaczenia języka migowego w Polsce. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Wydziału Polonistyki UW.

Kalata-Zawłocka, A., Biernacka, A. (2026) „Crosspollination between spoken and signed language interpreters’ ethics: what can we learn from each other?”, The Translator and Interpreter Trainer. Special issue: Training signed language interpreters and translators, vol…. s. …

Kermit, P. (2020), “Introduction”, [w:] M. Phelan, M. Rudvin, H. Skaaden and P. Kermit, red. Ethics in Public Service Interpreting. London: Routledge.

Lenehan, M. (2007), “Exploring power and ethnocentrism in sign language translation.”, Babel: Journal of the AFMLTA, 41(3), 4-12.

Phelan, M. (2020), “Codes of ethics”, [w:] M. Phelan, M. Rudvin, H. Skaaden and P. Kermit, red. Ethics in Public Service Interpreting. London: Routledge.

Skaaden, H. (2020), “Ethics and profession”, [w:] M. Phelan, M. Rudvin, H. Skaaden and P. Kermit, red. Ethics in Public Service Interpreting. London: Routledge.