Professionalism and ethics in community interpreting: The impact of individualism versus collective group identity

Although the focus on professionalism in community interpreting is extremely welcome, the existing literature does not take sufficient account of cross-cultural differences in identity- and role-building. This paper, using research findings from Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner’s work, discusses the problems that arise for the interpreter negotiating cultural practices between on the one hand an individualistic, achievement-based culture and on the other hand a collective culture in which social and professional roles are largely ascribed. Where achievement-based Western individualism demands a strict compartmentalization of the private/public sphere of an individual’s life, in many so-called ‘ascriptive’ cultures the construction of personhood is founded on the self as an integral part of the close group, governing the individual’s – and the interpreter’s – loyalty to institution, individual, group, or professional code of ethics.