Etiquette In Liaison Interpreting: A Study Report

As the interpretation industry grows, the market requires a higher standard ofprofessional service. However, student interpreters nowadays focus more on languagecompetence, interpreting skills, and knowledge of specific domains than on interpreterprofessionalism. Etiquette, as an important component of professionalism, deservesspecial attention. Yet so far, little research has been done on the interpreter’s etiquetteeducation. Based on the author’s liaison interpreting practice at the Fourth Euro-AsiaEconomic Forum (2011), this report attempts to summarize improper behaviors ofuntrained interpreters and investigate the internationally agreed etiquette. It focuses on thediscussion of etiquette in two respects: the role of etiquette in shaping the interpreter’simage, and the practice of etiquette on various occasions. By taking a problem-solvingapproach, this report aims to highlight the importance of etiquette in liaison interpretingand provide some guidelines for student interpreters in their future practice.