Religious Interpreting

By:

Adrienne Roberson

Chapter 13

Page 325

Interpreting in Religious Settings

There are four categories of events that occur frequently:

1. Liturgical Services

2. Funerals

3. Weddings

4. Special Events(e.g., Baptisms, Bat/Bar Mitzvah)

It is essential that the interpreter

contact members of the religious

group for whom he/she is interpreting

in advance of an event because signs

vary dramatically from group to group.

For Example: Baptism

The way of signing “baptism” in a Baptist setting

(where the term refers to a youth or adult being

immersed below the surface of water) is very

different from the way of signing “baptism” in a

catholic setting ( where the term usually refers to

sprinkling water on an infant).

Another Example:

Term used to refer to the Holy Book or religious teachings for various

religious bodies For the Christian, the name is the Bible For the Buddhist, it is The Path to Enlightenment For the Jewish Community it is the Torah and the Talmud For the Muslims it is the Koran

The signs used to refer to each of these documents vary depending on

the beliefs and teachings surrounding each religious group.

It is critical, then for interpreters no only to be familiar with how certain

terms are signed in each, but the basic teachings as well.

Fig. 13-5 Interpreter Placement In TypicalOne – On – One Settings

Sign Language Interpreter

When working in a One-On-One situation, placement of participants and interpreter

should allow the Deaf client to see the hearing individual while keeping the

interpreter in sight, as well. Strategies should be used to encourage rapport

between the hearing and Deaf individuals, rather than the interpreter.

Hearing Client If the Deaf client prefers oral communication she/he will not usually

employ the services of an oral translator for a One-On-One interaction.

Deaf Client If the client is Deaf Blind, the interpreter’s placement will vary depending on the type of visual impairment, preferred mode of

communication and other factors.

Standard Qualifications

Qualifications are not generally established in

religious settings

Interpreters who subscribes to the beliefs or the

particular religious body is usually preferred.

Entry–level interpreters often work in religious

settings.

Special Considerations Text for songs Sermons Prayers etc…

Can often be obtained in advance of an event to help the

interpreter prepare, the register includes ritualistic and/or

poetic use of language found in many religious settings

make interpreting particularly challenging.

Preparation for work in religious settings is essential – not

optional.

The text for most funerals, weddings, and baptisms is

standard in each religious sect; copies can be obtained well

in advance.

An interpreter can even attend several weddings performed

by the minister or masses led by the priest in order to

familiarize there self with the ritual, rhythm, speaker style and

language used prior to the interpreting assignment.

In some cases, the entire homily or sermon can be obtained

prior to a service.

In all cases, the words for music and

scriptures to be read can be obtained prior to

an event.

Prayers, songs, or other spoken, sung, or

chanted text in different languages present a

particular challenge to an interpreter in these

settings.

Depending on the Deaf participants, the choices available to the interpreter include providing:

A full linguistic and cultural equivalent from the spoken language into ASL

A Transliteration into an English-based representation of the source language. If, for example, the reading is in Hebrew, an interpreter might provide a fingerspelled phonetic representation of the source language.

Ethical Considerations

Interpreters need to consider several areas of potential conflict

prior to interpreting in a religious setting.

If you subscribe to a particular set of beliefs and feel strongly

about them, interpreting effectively in any setting where different

or opposing beliefs are espoused may be challenging.

The same can be true when the interpreter believes strongly in

the teachings or beliefs being presented and there are Deaf visitors

or inquirers present.

The temptation to edit material or add one’s own

opinion/judgments is powerful. Inappropriate

behaviors/responses can occur in such subtle ways,

the interpreter may not even realize she/he is doing

something unprofessional.

Before interpreting in a religious setting be sure

you can put your own beliefs and convictions aside

so you can properly convey the spirit and intent of

the speaker(s).

Role Delineation

Unfortunately, the interpreter’s role often gets mixed up with

Spiritual leader Director of religious ministries Counselor and guide

Let the minister serve as spiritual guide and counselor –

as an interpreter, you are not trained in theology or in

advisement.

Pay for Services Religious organizations often depend on volunteers to staff activities and

organizational positions.

The lack of awareness about the process of interpretation leads to the

misconception that a single interpreter is adequate to handle the interpreting

needs for a single event – even when that event involves complex and difficult

text or long hours.

If you attend a particular religious group and are approached by someone

asking you to interpret weekly services on a volunteer basis, you may feel you

should agree because that is the kind of contribution all members of this group

typically offer.

Obviously, this is a decision you will have to make based on the consideration

of a variety of factors.

We would encourage you to remember that if the minister, rabbi,

pianist, cantor or song leader receives remuneration, it is appropriate for

you to negotiate either a fair wage or an honorarium for the service you

provide.

In fact, paying the interpreter can be a benefit to the religious

organization. Deaf congregants can expect (demand):

A minimum level of expertise Regular and timely attendance Appropriate preparation for the work Interpreter who behaves ethically

They would be in a position to hire a substitute in your absence if

payment is part of the regular arrangement.

When asked to interpret in religious settings, you

should tactfully negotiate your fees and appropriate

working conditions.

For example, in certain settings you will need a team

interpreter, regular breaks, the text at least one week in

advance, etc.

If you want to donate the money received back to the

religious community later, you can still do so.

Supervision and Professional Development

Interpreters in religious settings rarely receive regular

supervision, evaluation or opportunities for professional

development.

Sometimes another interpreter in this setting – often one who

has been around for a number of years – will informally provide

evaluation or feedback.

This can be quite rewarding or frustrating, depending on

whether the informal mentor has had any recent training or

professional development there self.

Some religious groups have workshops,

upgrading opportunities, and even organizations

established specifically to meet the needs of

interpreters working in their ranks.

These are beneficial because they often give

insights into specific terminology and texts –

particularly if taught by individuals who have stayed

current with professional, as well as religious,

practices and knowledge.

You are my strength when I am weakYou are the treasure that I seek

You are my all in all

Seeking You as a precious jewelLord, to give up I'd be a fool

You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your nameJesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your name

Oh, Your name is worthy

Taking my sin, my cross, my shameRising again I bless Your name

(I bless Your name)You are my all in all

(Oh yes you are, yes you are)

When I fall down You pick me upWhen I am dry You fill my cup

(You fill my cup)You are my all in all

(My all, Lord, hallelujah)

Jesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your name

(Oh, Your name, Your precious name is worthy, Lord)Jesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your name

You're my everythingThe beginning and the endThe first, the last You are

The great I am

Jesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your nameJesus, Lamb of God

(Oh, my Jesus, my precious Jesus)Worthy is Your name

Worthy is Your name

Everyone needs compassion,Love that's never failing;

Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,The kindness of a Savior;

The Hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains,My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,He rose and conquered the grave,

Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,All my fears and failures,

Fill my life again.

I give my life to followEverything I believe in,

Now I surrender.

My Savior, He can move the mountains,My God is Mighty to save,

He is Mighty to save.Forever, Author of salvation,

He rose and conquered the grave,Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of your great nameAll condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of your great name

Every fear; has no place; at the sound of your great nameThe enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of your great name

Chorus:Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man

You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise your great name

Verse 2:All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of your great name

Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of your great name The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of your great name

Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of your great name

Chorus:

Bridge:Redeemer, My Healer, Almighty

My savior, Defender, You are My King

Chorus:

Videos

And all the people said:

Amen!