In what way should interpreters approach advocacy in their practice?

Interpreters should remain neutral and facilitate communication because their primary role is to ensure that the message conveyed is accurate and clear between parties who speak different languages. Advocacy can sometimes create a conflict of interest for interpreters, as it may involve promoting one party's viewpoint over another. Maintaining neutrality allows interpreters to be professional and objective, ensuring that they do not influence the conversation or the decision-making process.

By focusing on facilitating communication, interpreters also empower the individuals involved to express their needs and perspectives authentically. This impartial stance is crucial in a community setting, where diverse perspectives need to be understood and respected. It reinforces the interpreter's role as a conduit between the parties rather than as an influencer, thereby preserving the integrity of the interpreting process.