Religious Interpreting By: Adrienne Roberson

1. Religious Interpreting By: Adrienne Roberson

2. Chapter 13 Page 325 Interpreting in Religious Settings

3. There are four categories of events that occur frequently: • Liturgical Services • Funerals • Weddings • Special Events • (e.g., Baptisms, Bat/Bar Mitzvah)

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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).

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. You are my strength when I am weakYou are the treasure that I seekYou are my all in all Seeking You as a precious jewelLord, to give up I'd be a foolYou are my all in allJesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your nameJesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your nameOh, Your name is worthyTaking 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)

22. 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 nameYou're my everythingThe beginning and the endThe first, the last You areThe great I amJesus, Lamb of GodWorthy is Your nameJesus, Lamb of God(Oh, my Jesus, my precious Jesus)Worthy is Your nameWorthy is Your name

23. 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.

24. 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)

25. Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of your great name All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of your great name Every fear; has no place; at the sound of your great name The 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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27. And all the people said: Amen!