What should interpreters prioritize when engaged in service delivery?

Interpreters should prioritize the linguistic needs of clients because their primary role is to facilitate communication between parties who speak different languages. This means that interpreters must ensure that the message is conveyed accurately and in a manner that is understandable to the clients. By focusing on the clients' linguistic needs, interpreters can provide effective and culturally appropriate interpretations that respect the clients’ language preferences and communication styles.

This client-centered approach is essential in building trust and ensuring that all participants have equal access to the information being communicated. Ignoring the linguistic needs of clients could result in misunderstandings or misinterpretations, ultimately undermining the purpose of interpretation services.

This focus on the client's needs also aligns with ethical standards in the interpreting profession, which emphasize the importance of serving the client's interests and providing clear, unbiased interpretations rather than allowing personal beliefs or the desire for peer approval to influence the interpreting process.