Book Chapter Published

Abstract

Professional ethics play an essential role in institutional interpreters’ work, and failing to properly handle these ethics may result in severe consequences for institutions and institutional leaders. The study, therefore, explores the professional ethics of Chinese interpreters from the perspective of institutions with a case of live simultaneous interpreting for Andrew Parsons in the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games. Findings demonstrate that the institutional interpreter failed to honor the interpreting ethics of faithfulness but upheld the ethics of institutions, namely, safeguarding the national interest and keeping in line with national policies. The study reveals the tension between interpreting ethics and institutional ethics, particularly the dominance of institutional ethics over interpreting ethics. Moreover, the study showcases that Chinese interpreters’ political awareness strongly influences their behaviors in institutional settings. With these findings, the study contributes to the knowledge of Chinese interpreters’ professional ethics from the perspectives of institutions and reveals the intricate relations between institutions and interpreters in China.