How about a poem to me?

Your students are assigned to write a poem praising something. After you interpret the assignment, you suggest writing about your favorite interpreter--you! (me!)--in jest, of course.

Is that overstepping boundaries? Or is that relationship building?

Would it be different depending on the age if the client? (elementary vs high school vs college)

When would this kind if banter be acceptable or not?

You interpret, with a team, a 4-hour, college level economics class. The professor's accent is difficult to understand so you and your team rely on each other quite a bit. One day, your team arrives hungry and suggests that instead of teaming 20/20, today you should team 30/30 so she has time to go get a bite to eat.

Keep in mind:

• You enjoy working with your team an up to this point have had no issues.
• You are concerned about interpreting accurately because of the professor's accent coupled with the heavy content.
• You are hungry and wouldn't mind a 30 minute break to grab a bite.

What are your ethical concerns?

• Would you agree to the 30/30 split? If so, why? If no, why not?
• What Codes of Professional Conduct would you keep in mind?
• How will you continue a working relationship with your team?
  

Assigning Sign Names to Unsuspecting Acquaintances

You are interpreting in a university with an on-going client and an on-going team. Midway through the semester you, your team and your client are comfortable enough with each other to banter back and forth. You discuss superfluous happenings in your own lives so its not a stretch to, during a break, discuss class events including the personalities in the classroom. Your team says, "I don't like the annoying girl who always raises her hand" and then "I can't believe that guy brings his politics into the classroom. Ugh." (insert eye roll here.) You chime in with a couple of your own choice comments.

Class resumes; your team is 'on'. Professor asks a question and the girl you were all talking about raises her hand. Your team signs, "Annoying girl says... ." You see your client chuckle. Then the guy you were recently talking about raises his hand. Your team signs, "Politician says... ." You feel a knot in your stomach but when you are on you continue with those apt but assumptive sign names.

+What is the ethical conflict?
+What is the Code of Professional Conduct the interpreters should be keeping in mind?
+What should you do?
+What are the consequences of your decision?