Terminology & Language Services
ISO 18841 covers the general principles and requirements for interpreting services - spoken and signed language interpreting across all settings.
- Interpreting Principles
- Spoken Language
- Signed Language
- Service Requirements
- Competence Standards
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About ISO 18841:2018 - Terminology & Language Services
ISO 18841:2018 specifies general principles and requirements for interpreting services - covering both spoken language interpreting and signed language interpreting across all settings and modes of delivery. It is the foundational standard in the ISO interpreting standards family, establishing the overarching framework within which sector-specific interpreting standards operate.
The standard defines interpreting as the oral or signed rendition of a message from a source language into a target language. It distinguishes between the main modes of interpreting: simultaneous interpreting (rendering the message in real time while the speaker continues), consecutive interpreting (rendering the message after the speaker has finished a segment), and whispered interpreting (simultaneous interpreting delivered in a whisper to one or two listeners).
ISO 18841 specifies requirements for interpreting service providers covering the pre-assignment process (client briefing, preparation, and assignment confirmation), the interpreting assignment itself (professional conduct, accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality), and post-assignment activities (debriefing and feedback). The standard requires that interpreters possess linguistic competence in both working languages, subject-matter knowledge relevant to the assignment, and the interpersonal and professional skills required to manage the interpreting interaction.
A key principle of ISO 18841 is interpreter impartiality - interpreters must render messages accurately and completely without omission, addition, or distortion, and must not allow personal views or interests to influence their work. Confidentiality is also a core requirement, with interpreters bound to maintain the confidentiality of all information encountered during assignments.
ISO 18841 is used by interpreting service providers, procurement organizations, and professional associations to establish quality benchmarks for interpreting services. It works alongside ISO 17100 (translation services), ISO 13611 (community interpreting), ISO 20228 (legal interpreting), ISO 21998 (healthcare interpreting), and ISO 20108 (simultaneous interpreting quality).
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