4.1 This practice is intended for all stakeholders of interpreting services.

4.2 Interpreting Supply Chain:

4.2.1 Customer—The person(s) or entity that pays for the interpreting services.

4.2.2 Requester—The person(s) or entity that places the order for interpreting services.

4.2.3 End User or Consumer—The person(s) in need of interpreting services.

4.2.4 Interpreting Services Provider—The person(s), interpreter(s), organization, or language services company (LSC) making arrangements for the provision of interpreting services including, but not limited to, selecting, contracting, scheduling, invoicing, and paying the interpreter.

4.2.5 Interpreter—Person who performs the interpreting service.

Note 1: The above categories of stakeholders are not mutually exclusive.

4.3 Characteristics of Interpreting—Interpreting is a professional activity resulting in a first and final oral/signed rendition of the message from the source language into the target language. It does not serve the same purpose as, nor should it be compared to, an edited, written translation or a scripted voice-over. Interpreting is performed in real time or immediately after a speaker pauses to allow for interpreting.

1.1 This practice defines the minimum professional standard for quality services in language interpreting. It is intended for use by stakeholders with varying levels of expertise in the field of interpreting.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.