Once all plausible options have been presented, the next step would be to analyze each one in detail, weighing pros and cons of each (DECIDE, n.d., para. 3). If I were to go with my first option, and divulge this information to my friends, the negative consequences of my actions would far outweigh the positive. This decision would not only jeopardize my future as an ally to the Deaf community, but also as an interpreter and potentially negatively impact other interpreters in the community. I would be breaching AVLIC’s Code of Ethics tenet related to consumers’ confidentiality. Tenet 1.1.1 states that “members will respect the privacy of consumers and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.” (“AVLIC,”
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Interpreters have to work between two very different cultures: Deaf and hearing. Deaf culture can be defined as a collectivist culture, which, as detailed by Humphrey and Alcorn (2007) incorporates the importance of the group of people as a whole body rather than on an individual basis, which includes a “high degree of shared knowledge.” (p. 41) In individualist cultures, there is much less shared knowledge, and “people are supposed to look after themselves and their immediate family only.” (Page, 1993, p. 119) A general group connection is strong in collectivist cultures, and interpreters must be aware of the fact that “cultural differences have [a] direct influence on interpersonal communication and interactions in both the personal and professional realm.” (Humphrey & Alcorn, 2007, p. 54) While I recognize this major difference between hearing and Deaf cultures, due to the seriousness of the information shared in the doctor’s appointment, it still seems only reasonable to consider this information private. However, “it is [also] critical for interpreters to be aware of their own cultural beliefs and identity.” (p. 54) Since I cannot fully understand what it is like to be part of a collectivist community and the collectivist mentality that “a member [of the community] has certain obligations which cannot be placed ahead of individual interests,” (Page, 1993, p. 120) it is important to get the opinion from someone who has a connection to the Deaf community. I presented this case study to a Deaf consumer, clearly laying out the situation, and asked his opinion about what should follow the assignment. During the interview, he stressed numerous times, the importance of confidentiality, and how this comes before anything else. According to this Deaf consumer, the community holds high trust in interpreters, and while in this hypothetical situation, I am
Interpreters have to work between two very different cultures: Deaf and hearing. Deaf culture can be defined as a collectivist culture, which, as detailed by Humphrey and Alcorn (2007) incorporates the importance of the group of people as a whole body rather than on an individual basis, which includes a “high degree of shared knowledge.” (p. 41) In individualist cultures, there is much less shared knowledge, and “people are supposed to look after themselves and their immediate family only.” (Page, 1993, p. 119) A general group connection is strong in collectivist cultures, and interpreters must be aware of the fact that “cultural differences have [a] direct influence on interpersonal communication and interactions in both the personal and professional realm.” (Humphrey & Alcorn, 2007, p. 54) While I recognize this major difference between hearing and Deaf cultures, due to the seriousness of the information shared in the doctor’s appointment, it still seems only reasonable to consider this information private. However, “it is [also] critical for interpreters to be aware of their own cultural beliefs and identity.” (p. 54) Since I cannot fully understand what it is like to be part of a collectivist community and the collectivist mentality that “a member [of the community] has certain obligations which cannot be placed ahead of individual interests,” (Page, 1993, p. 120) it is important to get the opinion from someone who has a connection to the Deaf community. I presented this case study to a Deaf consumer, clearly laying out the situation, and asked his opinion about what should follow the assignment. During the interview, he stressed numerous times, the importance of confidentiality, and how this comes before anything else. According to this Deaf consumer, the community holds high trust in interpreters, and while in this hypothetical situation, I am