religious interpreting by: adrienne roberson. chapter 13 page 325 interpreting in religious settings
Post on 24-Dec-2015
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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:
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