In the moment, it can feel natural—helpful, even—to say, “I’ve worked with this client before.” It may come from a place of wanting to build rapport, show familiarity, or streamline communication with a provider.
But in professional interpreting, that one statement crosses an important boundary.
Confidentiality Isn’t Just About What You Say—It’s About What You Confirm
Interpreters are bound by strict confidentiality standards. This doesn’t just mean avoiding sharing details about a client—it also includes not confirming prior interactions.
When an interpreter states they’ve worked with a client before, they are unintentionally disclosing:
- That the client has received services in another setting
- That the interpreter was present during that interaction
- A connection between encounters that should remain separate
Even without sharing specifics, this can be considered a breach of privacy—especially in sensitive environments like medical, mental health, legal, or educational settings.
Every Assignment Is a Standalone Interaction
A core principle of interpreting is neutrality. Each assignment should be approached as if it is the first and only interaction with that client.
Why? Because clients deserve:
- Privacy across all settings
- Control over their own information
- Confidence that their interpreter is not sharing or tracking their history
Providers also rely on interpreters to maintain clear professional boundaries. When those boundaries are blurred, it can impact trust—not just in the interpreter, but in the entire interaction.
What Should You Do?
If a provider begins sharing background information, the best practice is simple:
- Receive the information as if it is new
- Do not confirm or deny prior knowledge
- Maintain focus on the current assignment
Professionalism is often demonstrated in what we choose not to say.
The SOS Standard
At The SOS Agency, we believe interpreting goes far beyond assigning a qualified professional. It’s about ensuring every interaction is handled with care, integrity, and a deep understanding of confidentiality.
True access includes trust, privacy, and respect.
