CHURCH INTERPRETATING
Introduction
Today, church interpreting is a vital aspect of religious gatherings, particularly in
multicultural and multilingual societies. Churches often employ professional interpreters
or rely on volunteer interpreters within their communities to facilitate communication and
ensure that everyone can fully engage in the religious experience.
Church interpreting, also known as religious interpreting, plays a crucial role in
facilitating communication for individuals with diverse linguistic backgrounds within
religious settings. It encompasses the interpretation of sermons, religious texts, prayers,
and other spiritual activities to ensure that all attendees can fully participate and engage
in the religious experience regardless of their language or cultural background.
Definition of key words.
A. Interpreting:
Interpreting is the process of orally translating spoken words or messages from one
language to another. Interpreters convey the meaning and intent of the original
message while maintaining cultural nuances and context. This can be done in various
settings, such as conferences, meetings, courtrooms, and medical appointments.
B. Church:
A church is a building used for Christian religious worship and ceremonies, typically
belonging to a specific denomination or congregation. It also refers to a group of
Christians who meet together regularly and who have some measure of a commitment
to each other to be the body of Christ together, which includes biblical leadership and
biblical teaching and preaching and a proper celebration of the Lord’s Supper and a
right application of Christian discipline.
C. Church Interpreting:
Church interpreting refers to the practice of providing language interpretation services
within a religious or spiritual context. It involves facilitating effective communication
between individuals who speak different languages, allowing them to fully engage in
religious services, sermons, discussions, and community activities.
Here, the role of the interpreter is to bridge a linguistic gap between the speaker (such
as a minister, religious leader, or community member) and the audience or
congregation. This ensures that all attendees, regardless of their primary language, can
access and participate in religious or spiritual events.
Brief History.
Church interpreting has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The
need for interpreting in religious settings arose from the desire to convey the messages
and teachings of the church to individuals who could not understand the language being
spoken.
In the early Christian church, interpreting played a vital role in spreading the message of
Christianity to diverse populations. As the church expanded across different regions and
cultures, interpreters were needed to bridge the language gap between preachers and
congregants. Interpreters ensured that people from various backgrounds could
understand and engage with the teachings of the church, promoting unity and
inclusivity.
During the Middle Ages, religious services were primarily conducted in Latin, which was
the language of the Catholic Church. However, as the vernacular languages began to
gain prominence in society, there was an increasing need for interpreting to make
religious services more accessible. Interpreters worked to convey the meaning of Latin
sermons to congregants who only understood their native language.
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century also played a significant role in the
history of church interpreting. As reformers like Martin Luther advocated for services to
be conducted in local languages rather than Latin, interpreting became crucial in
facilitating the transition. Interpreters were involved in translating biblical texts and
sermons into vernacular languages, ensuring that worshippers could understand and
engage with the teachings of the reformers.
In more recent history, church interpreting has continued to evolve with advancements
in technology. The introduction of simultaneous interpretation equipment has drastically
improved the efficiency of church interpreting, allowing for real-time translation of
sermons and religious services. This has made it possible for individuals to participate
in worship services regardless of language barriers.
Characteristics:
Here are some common characteristics often associated with church interpreting:
1. Faithful to the biblical text: Church interpreting should prioritize faithfulness to
the original biblical text. It involves carefully studying the Scriptures and seeking
to interpret them accurately and in line with sound hermeneutical principles.
2. Grounded in sound doctrine: Church interpreting seeks to interpret Scripture in
light of sound doctrine. It refers to interpreting the biblical texts in accordance
with the core beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith.
3. Contextualized: Church interpreting takes into account the cultural, historical,
and linguistic context of the biblical texts. It involves understanding the original
audience’s context and applying the timeless truths to the contemporary context
of the church
4. Community-focused: Church interpreting recognizes the importance of
interpreting Scripture in community. It involves engaging in dialogue, study, and
discussion within the church community to gain a deeper understanding of the
biblical texts.
These characteristics are vital for ensuring effective and respectful communication
within religious settings.
Interpretating Modes in Church Settings:
As churches contemplate providing interpreting services, a question that needs to be
answered early on is a logistical one: will the interpreting be simultaneous interpreting
via the use of wireless equipment for those individuals who do not understand the
language being spoken, or will the interpreting be consecutive from up front so
everyone can hear what is said in both languages? The answer will depend on the
particular situation: how many people need the interpreting? Will the interpreting be only
in one part of the service (e.g., the sermon)? Will the interpreting be bidirectional (e.g.,
two pastors speaking in different languages)? Is the church willing to invest in the
purchase or rental of the needed equipment in order to provide simultaneous
Interpreting? There are two main modes in church interpreting.
1. Simultaneous Interpretation: In larger church settings, simultaneous interpretation
is often utilized. Interpreters work in soundproof booths, transmitting the interpreted
message to the participants through headsets in real time, so the overall time of the
service is not increased. It is very welcoming for visitors and allows them to feel that
they are fully participating, since they can understand all that is being said. However,
proper simultaneous interpreting requires someone who has been trained in
simultaneous interpreting.
2. Consecutive Interpretation: In smaller or more intimate settings, consecutive
interpretation may be employed, where the interpreter speaks after the speaker has
finished a segment of the message. This requires a back-and-forth rhythm, allowing for
pauses in the original speech to accommodate interpretation. Important advantages of
this method are that it can be done with very little additional equipment, it can be
arranged on short notice, it can be used in a wide variety of situations, and it can be
bidirectional in that two pastors speaking different languages can divide the service with
the interpreter enabling everyone to understand the entire service. However, people
need to realize that generally the service will be approximately 80% longer because of
the time needed for interpreting. In addition, if the pastor or speaker is not accustomed
to working with an interpreter, an uncomfortable situation might be created when the
message does not flow naturally at times, with some listeners becoming frustrated.
In order to create a more welcoming environment when interpreting takes place in
church, especially during combined bilingual services, there is an additional
consideration. Whenever possible, all the information that is projected should be in a
bilingual format, including Bible verses, sermon notes and outlines, and even songs.
Importance of Church Interpreting:
Church interpreting holds significant importance within religious and spiritual
communities for numerous reasons:
1. Inclusivity: It promotes inclusivity by ensuring that individuals who speak different
languages can fully engage and participate in religious services and activities.
2. Access to Spiritual Teachings: It enables individuals to access and understand
spiritual teachings, sermons, prayers, and communal activities, fostering spiritual growth
and understanding.
3. Cultural Connection: Church interpreting preserves the cultural and spiritual
connection of individuals who speak languages different from the dominant language
used in the religious setting, allowing them to maintain their cultural identity.
4. Community Building: It fosters a sense of community by allowing all members,
regardless of their language background, to actively participate in religious gatherings.
5. Empathy and Understanding: Church interpreting encourages empathy and
understanding by ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their language, can access
and benefit from religious teachings and support.
6. Cultural Exchange: It enables the exchange of religious and spiritual ideas across
cultural and linguistic boundaries, encouraging dialogue and mutual appreciation of
diverse traditions.
7. Family Participation: It allows families with multilingual members to worship and
participate together, promoting unity and familial connections.
8. Learning and Growth: It supports language learning and cultural understanding,
aiding individuals in becoming more familiar with different linguistic and cultural
expressions.
9. Unity: Church interpreting helps foster unity by ensuring that everyone can hear and
understand the same message, strengthening communal bonds.
10. Respect and Consideration: It demonstrates respect for linguistic diversity and
consideration for the needs of all members of the religious community, creating an
environment of shared understanding and support.
Qualities of a Church Interpreter:
Some qualities are essential for an effective church interpreter, as they play a critical
role in facilitating meaningful communication within religious and spiritual settings. Here
are 10 essential qualities of a proficient church interpreter:
1. Good Language Proficiency: A skilled church interpreter possesses a high level of
proficiency in both the source and target languages, with a deep understanding of
religious terminology and concepts, ensuring accurate interpretation.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: They have a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and
sensitivities related to religious and spiritual contexts, which allows them to convey
messages in a culturally appropriate manner.
3. Excellent Listening Skills: They are adept listeners, able to understand the nuances
of the speaker's message and convey it accurately to the audience.
4. Clear Articulation: A good interpreter articulates their interpretations clearly and
effectively, ensuring that the audience comprehends the message without confusion.
5. Reliability: They are dependable and maintain a high level of professionalism,
arriving on time and adhering to commitments.
6. Empathy: An empathetic interpreter understands the emotional and spiritual
significance of the message, conveying it with heartfelt understanding.
7. Familiarity with Religious Language: They are well-versed in religious terminology
and concepts, enabling them to accurately convey the spiritual and theological aspects
of the message.
8. Ethical Conduct: A professional church interpreter abides by a code of ethics,
ensuring confidentiality and impartiality in their interpretations.
9. Adaptability: They can adapt to different speaking styles, dialects, and accents,
ensuring effective communication across a diverse congregation.
10. Stress Management: They remain composed and focused, even when interpreting
emotionally charged or intense messages, maintaining clarity and accuracy in their
interpretations.
Sure, here are 10 important characteristics of church interpreting:
11. Theological Understanding: A good church interpreter should have a solid
understanding of theological concepts, allowing them to accurately convey the
intended spiritual and religious messages.
12. Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is key. Interpreters
should possess strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills to convey the
message accurately and meaningfully.
13. Confidentiality: Interpreters should adhere to confidentiality standards,
especially in contexts where personal or sensitive information may be shared.
14. Team Player: In some cases, church interpreting may involve working as part of
a team of interpreters, especially in larger congregations or events, requiring
good teamwork and coordination skills.
Challenges in Church Interpreting:
Church interpreting can present several challenges due to the unique nature of religious
services and the specific requirements of the role. Some of the main challenges include:
1. Religious terminology: Church interpreting often involves translating religious terms
and concepts that may not have direct equivalents in other languages.
2. Theological differences: Different denominations within Christianity may have
different theological beliefs and practices, making it challenging to accurately interpret
across denominational lines.
3. Cultural context: Church interpreting requires an understanding of the cultural
context in which the religious texts and practices originated, which can be difficult to
convey in a different cultural setting.
4. Sensitive topics: Church interpreting may involve discussing sensitive topics such
as sin, salvation, and moral issues, which require a delicate approach to interpretation.
5. Emotional content: Religious services often involve emotional content such as
prayers, hymns, and sermons, which can be challenging to interpret accurately.
6. Scriptural interpretation: Interpreting religious scriptures requires a deep
understanding of the original text and its intended meaning, which can be difficult to
convey in another language.
7. Dialects and accents: Different dialects and accents within a language can make it
challenging for interpreters to accurately convey the intended message.
8. Limited vocabulary: Some languages may have limited vocabulary for religious
concepts, making it difficult to find accurate translations.
9. Non-verbal communication: Church services often involve non-verbal
communication such as gestures, rituals, and symbols, which can be challenging to
interpret.
10. Time constraints: Church services are often time-sensitive, requiring interpreters to
convey messages quickly and accurately.
11. Multiple speakers: Church services may involve multiple speakers, making it
challenging for interpreters to keep up with the pace of the service.
12. Technical language: Church services may involve technical religious language that
is difficult to interpret without specialized knowledge.
13. Interpreting for different age groups: Church services may cater to different age
groups, requiring interpreters to adapt their language and approach accordingly.
14. Interpreting for diverse congregations: Church services may attract a diverse
congregation with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, making it challenging to
ensure that everyone can understand the message.
15. Ethical considerations: Interpreters may face ethical dilemmas when interpreting
sensitive or confidential information during religious services.
16. Lengthy services: Church services can be lengthy, sometimes lasting several
hours. Interpreters need to maintain focus and concentration throughout the entire
duration of the service to ensure the accuracy and quality of their interpretations.
17. Technical challenges: Depending on the church’s infrastructure, interpreters may
face technical challenges such as poor sound quality or limited visibility of the speaker.
They need to adapt and find ways to overcome these obstacles to ensure effective
communication.
Tips for being a good church interpreter
1. Familiarize yourself with the religious terminology and concepts of the specific
denomination or faith tradition you will be interpreting for.
2. Stay up to date with theological differences and practices within different
denominations to accurately interpret across denominational lines.
3. Learn about the cultural context in which the religious texts and practices originated
to better understand and convey the intended meaning.
4. Approach sensitive topics with empathy and respect, and be mindful of the impact
your interpretation may have on the audience.
5. Practice interpreting emotional content such as prayers and sermons to accurately
convey the intended message.
6. Study religious scriptures and their interpretations to gain a deep understanding of
the original text and its meaning.
7. Familiarize yourself with different dialects and accents within the language you are
interpreting to accurately convey the message to all members of the congregation.
8. Expand your vocabulary for religious concepts in the language you are interpreting to
accurately convey the intended meaning.
9. Pay attention to non-verbal communication such as gestures and symbols during
church services to accurately interpret the message.
10. Practice time management and adaptability to keep up with the pace of the service
and ensure accurate interpretation for multiple speakers and diverse congregations.
11. Be flexible. Often, many last-minute changes will be made (change in Scripture text,
unexpected speaker, film; etc). Interpreters must remain calm, accept the changes and
do their best.
12. Be loyal to the speaker. Convey the intent, ideas, mood, and spirit of the speaker.
As an example, don't frown if the speaker's tone is joyful and pleasant.
13. Relay the meaning of what is said. There are terms in the Bible and music that
cause the interpreter to do some serious mental exercises to determine and relay the
actual meaning effectively. Speakers often use idioms, as well. Remember to convey
the meaning, not strictly the words.
Conclusion.
Overall, the history of church interpreting demonstrates its significance in promoting
inclusivity, facilitating worship, and ensuring the spread of religious teachings across
linguistic boundaries.
Church interpreting is hence an invaluable service that supports linguistic diversity and
inclusion within religious communities. It not only ensures that individuals can actively
participate in religious activities but also fosters cultural understanding and unity. By
employing skilled interpreters who understand the nuances of religious language and
culture, churches can create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their
linguistic background, feel embraced and connected to their faith community.
