This article presents the concept of stocks of interactional knowledge (SIKs) developed by Peräkylä and Vehviläinen (2003) and discusses the respective knowledge about interaction in the interpreter’s profession. It will then look at the role ideology that can be derived from a code of professional ethics for court interpreters. In conclusion it will make some suggestions considering the SIKs and the ethical rules as a conceptualising tool for the professionalisation of interpreting in the community.