Why should interpreters avoid using family members for interpreting?

Interpreters should avoid using family members for interpreting primarily because of potential breaches of confidentiality and bias. When a family member is involved in the interpreting process, there is a higher likelihood that sensitive or personal information may be inadvertently shared outside the interpreting situation. Family members may not grasp the importance of confidentiality in a professional context, which can compromise the trust necessary for effective communication.

Moreover, family dynamics can introduce bias into the interpretation. A family member might interpret selectively, presenting information in a way that reflects their own views or emotions rather than translating the speaker's words accurately and neutrally. This could lead to misunderstandings or distortions of the message being communicated, underlining the importance of using a trained interpreter who can maintain impartiality and adhere to ethical standards while providing interpretation services.

In addition to confidentiality and bias, while family members might sometimes lack adequate language skills, or familiarity with interpreting protocols, the core issues of confidentiality and bias make the involvement of family members particularly problematic in professional interpreting situations. Thus, avoiding the use of family members helps ensure that interpretation remains professional, accurate, and respectful of all parties involved.