Can an interpreter edit or modify a message during interpretation?

The role of an interpreter is to convey messages accurately and faithfully, reflecting the speaker's intent, tone, and nuances without alterations. Editing or modifying a message could lead to confusion, misinterpretation, or misrepresentation of what the speaker intends to communicate. In community interpreting, where clarity and precision are critical, any deviation from the original message undermines the interpreter's professional integrity and can adversely affect the communication process between parties.

While there are circumstances in which an interpreter may provide clarification, this is distinct from modifying the content of the message itself. The interpreter's primary responsibility is to remain neutral and maintain the original meaning, ensuring that both the speaker and the audience receive the complete and unaltered information.