The American Translators Association Code of Professional Conduct & Business Practices

As translators and interpreters, we stand between two languages and act as a bridge for the free passage of ideas from one side to the other. Because our knowledge, skill, and discretion are essential to intellectual commerce, we commit ourselves to the highest standards of performance, ethical behaviors, and sound business practice.

A. We will endeavor to translate with utmost accuracy and fidelity, so that we convey to the readers of the translation the same meaning and spirit the original conveyed to us. We acknowledge that level of excellence requires:

1. Mastery of the target language equivalent to that of an educated native speaker;

2. Up-to.date knowledge of the source language and the subject area sufficient to understand the message;

3. Continued efforts to improve our professional skills and to broaden and deepen our knowledge.