Foreign-language interpreting for public worship (advice and instructions)

 As foreign-language speakers come along to services of worship (or other Christian meetings), one way of welcoming them is to offer interpreting (verbal translation) from English into their native language.  

Interpreting can be done in several ways:

• "from the front" ("consecutive interpreting": the speaker says a sentence in English and waits while the interpreter renders it in their language), 
• whispered into someone's ear ("chuchotage"), or 
• done simultaneously and delivered through a headset or similar device ("simultaneous interpreting").  

In Edinburgh, simultaneous interpreting is offered, for example, at Destiny Church, Granton (Polish).  

Here are some general instructions and advice, based on road-tested experience, which may be useful for churches offering interpreting on a one-off or ongoing basis. It is applicable to all methods of interpreting.

1. Audible - but not to everyone! Set up the interpreting so that the interpreter can clearly hear and see the speaker, and the hearers can clearly hear the interpreter without unduly disturbing the rest of the congregation. In the case of chuchotage (whispered translation), it is best to sit at the side or back of the church and for the interpreter to be as near as possible to all those for whom they are interpreting (e.g. seated in the middle of a group or even behind them). In the case of simultaneous interpreting, make sure the interpreter's booth is not audible to others in the congregation. 

2. No distractions. Explain to those being interpreted for that they cannot distract the interpreter or engage them in casual conversation, unless they have a crucial question getting in the way of the interpreting. The interpreter needs peace and quiet, a Bible in front of them and also any notes (with scope to jot things down, such as numbers or other details).  

3. Give the interpreter as much information beforehand as possible, such as the Bible passage, an outline of the message, key terms or points, the point/punchline of stories to be told. The best thing is if the interpreter can have a brief opportunity to speak to the preacher beforehand. A clear connection between the message and the text of the Bible gives the interpreter something to come back to and helps the hearers follow the message.  

4. Training the speaker. Let the preacher know they are being interpreted and explain to them what will or will not translate. Making the extra effort of explaining the background can make it easier for non-native speakers to access what is being said. By contrast, puns or plays on words will be impossible to render and will hamper the work of translation. Also, cultural allusions such as adverts that were on TV ten years ago. If these must be included, don't make them central to delivering what you have to say.  

5. Pacing yourself. Interpreting is draining. At major international organisations interpreters will work alterrnately in 15-minute blocks. Encourage interpreters to pace themselves, not necessarily translating every word, particularly outwith the main preached message (e.g. a spontaneous prayer between songs). They should not feel overwhelmed all the time. 

6. "Same wavelength." The best quality interpreting involves the interpreter and speaker being "on the same wavelength". The interpreter is effectively delivering the speaker's message, making the same points and knowing what they are going to say next. You can see this in action at some of Billy Graham's old "crusade meetings" delivered with interpreting. This also involves a degree of "surrender", whereby the interpreter agrees to render the message of the speaker, regardless of their own possibly differing perspective. 

7. Practice makes perfect. Each time you interpret, you become more proficient. For example the interpreter becomes used to delivering stock phrases and sentences which allow the hearers to follow the flow of the message rather than a "jolty" delivery. 

8. Feedback. It can be useful for one of the hearers (not all of them!) to be listening to the interpreting for quality control purposes, picking up on any mistakes or issues which can be corrected for next time.

Acts 2:11 Edinburgh