Framework for Implementing Codes of Ethics in the Translation and Interpreting Profession: A Comparative Study of the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia

Considered a pillar of translator and interpreter professionalism, codes of ethics are indispensable in regulating professional behavior and promoting industry order. After examining the implementation systems of codes of ethics in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, this paper proposes a four-dimensional implementation framework composed of four key components: regulatory entities (professional associations, chapters, and translation companies); governed parties (members who are required to comply and non-members who may voluntarily adopt the codes); enforcement mechanisms (membership pledges, complaint-disciplinary systems, and corporate self-declarations); and support infrastructure (certification-integrated ethics assessments and multi-stakeholder education programs). The study highlights that effective ethics governance relies on specialized committees for enforcement, corporate adoption of standards, and continuous professional education. These findings help bridge the gap between theoretical codes and practical implementation, aiming to enhance professionalism and public trust in the translation sector by providing a systematic framework for ethical governance.