ICIA - International Christian Interpreter Association

Christian Interpreter Training Manual

International Christian Interpreter Association (ICIA)

Jim Harper Ministries

Introduction:

I pray that this manual will not only provide you with a wealth of information to help you as you interpret the Gospel into another language, that it will help you to catch the spirit and the anointing behind this work.

Much of the information contained in this manual comes from 20 years of personal experience in translating the Gospel into another language. This includes being in many types of interpreting situations and settings. Information was also gathered from various friends and associates to whom I am grateful. Library research was conducted at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), in the United States of America.

Interpreters Training

1) Interpreting:

Terminology:

Translate or Interpret: to render from one language to another taking into account the subject and culture.
Transliteration: to render letter for letter or word for word.
Sight translation: Oral translation of a written document.
Source Language: The language which is being interpreted from.
Target Language: The language that is being interpreted into.

Mother tongue or active language: Native or first language.
Passive language: The language other than the mother language.

Interpreting VS Summarizing:

Summarize: To present in a condensed form, concise.
Summarizing is not complete interpreting.

Simultaneous VS Consecutive Interpreting:

Simultaneous: alongside the original speaker; conveys everything that the speaker says.
Consecutive: immediately after the speaker has completed his speech or part of it. Speaker and interpreter take turn speaking.

Interpreting Process:

1 - Hearing; 2 - Understanding; 3 - Conversion; 4 – Delivery (the natural flow).

Lag time: the time from when the speaker starts speaking to when the interpreter starts.
Lag time should not be too short or too long (approximately one sentence).
With numbers and figures, keep a very short lag time.
Too short: hard to understand and distracts the speaker; difficult to flow with the message.
Too long: the interpreter loses some of the message and the attention of the audience is lost.

Characteristics of a good interpreter:

Have a servant attitude and heart. You are providing a service that helps other people.
Able to be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit and to the people you serve.
Able to transfer information without any personal reaction.
Able to convey the anointed message without hindrances:

The anointed message flows:

1.) From the heart of God.

2.) To the heart of the speaker.

3.) Through the heart of the interpreter.

4.) To the heart of the audience.

Interpreters are valuable: most important message in the world.

2) Nervousness:

Fear of the unknown. The more information you have, the less nervous you will be.
Don't wiggle or show your nervousness.
Nervousness is mostly a frame of mind.
The more fear you have, the less faith will operate. Fear is a spirit that will attack your mind (1Timothy 1:7). Fear will stop your faith.
Focus on the words of the speaker and leading of the Holy Spirit, not on the audience’s response.
Remember that you represent the speaker and the message that he conveys.
The more experience you have, the easier it is. The first time is the hardest.
Preparation will reduce nervousness.
Deep breathing exercises will help you relax, reduce nervousness and help prepare your voice for public speaking. Example: A singer warms up his voice before singing.

3) Helping an Inexperienced Minister:

Try to see what is in his heart. Talk to him. Have good communication.
Ask him if he has used an interpreter before.
If needed, tactfully and gracefully explain to him the proper way to use an interpreter. If done with the right attitude, he will receive what you have to say.
This should be done before the interpreting assignment begins. Try to avoid correcting him during the presentation. You may have to take the initiative to do things correctly.
If minister forgets to let you speak, jump in and start interpreting.

4) Job or Ministry:

A job is work performed for a set wage and possibly a set time frame.
Ministry is a deeper commitment which goes beyond a set wage or time frame. Ministry is not always fun and involves hard work. (Col. 3:17-25)

3 types of workers:

1) A person who is trained in a certain area and continues doing that type of work because he was trained in it, whether he likes it or not.

2) A person who just uses his present job as a stepping stone to promote or better him or herself.

3) A person who enjoys what he is doing. It is the desire of his heart and he puts all of his heart into it. What you love to do is a clue to your calling and talent.

Do your very best. Be a profitable servant, (Luke 17:7-10). What measure you give will be the measure that comes back to you, (Mark 4:24; Gal. 6:7)

Ask yourself:

What is the purpose of my interpreting?
What is the best way to help the people I serve?

How to get started:

Find someone who can use your help. Volunteer to help, plant good seeds that will grow into a professional interpreting or ministry position.
Suggestions for places to serve: churches; ministries; pastors; missionaries; home groups; fellowships; Christian clubs and organizations, join ICIA!

5) Positioning and Conduct:

A good interpreter will hardly be noticed.
The interpreter should not be the main character.
A good interpreter must also know how to conduct himself on the platform.
Keep the same style as the speaker.
Use the technique of mirror and match the speaker.
Keep the same body movements.
Hold the microphone the same as the speaker.
Keep the same voice level, fluctuation, speed and rhythm.
Use the same word stress and pauses.
Example: people in an elevator.
Stand to the side of the speaker and possibly ? step back, in most situations.
You may ask the speaker where he would like you to stand.
Know where to place your Bible before you start interpreting.
Keep the same voice fluctuation as the speaker.
In reading the Bible or other material in your native language, stress the same words that the speaker did when he read.
The focus needs to be on the speaker, not the interpreter.
In conference situations, the speakers should mainly be looking at each other and not the interpreter.
Some ministers use the interpreter in ministering to people personally. The interpreter may come out of his regular interpreting role at that time.

Do NOT:

Lean on a chair
Cross your arms
Pace back and forth on your own
Look nervous or wiggle
Step in front of the speaker

6) Interpreting Situations:

Interpreting from your native language into a foreign language.
Interpreting from a foreign language into your native language.

Settings:

1. On a stage or platform.

You should hardly be noticed.

2. Casual conversations with individuals or groups.

Are you interpreting or summarizing?

3. Private conferences or counseling sessions.

Keep sensitive communication confidential.

4. Telephone conversations.

Are you interpreting or negotiating for the minister?

5. Written materials: books, letters, documents, songs, etc.

Is the intent of the message being conveyed? Have your work proofread by another interpreter if possible.

6. Conducting business or shopping.

Make sure that the client knows what is going on. Don’t leave him in the dark.

7. Using head sets and microphone.

All of your movements are being heard.

8. Question and answer sessions.

Bad communication will lead to misunderstanding.

9. Television, radio, and recording voice-over or dubbing.

Keep the same voice tone and fluctuations as the speaker.

10. Extended interpreting.

Your interpreting quality will diminish the longer you interpret. For long assignments, make plans for breaks or to rotate with other interpreters.

11. Working with a team of interpreters for a group of foreigners.

Work together, (team work). Support and encourage the other interpreters.

12. Interpreting songs in a church service.

Communicate with the one you are interpreting for. Do they want or need the songs interpreted?

7) Your Role as an Interpreter:

Simultaneous interpreting should always be done in the first person.
Determine when and what role you should be in.
Your body language should agree with the speaker and the intent of the message.
Have correct word selection which is applicable to the audience. A minister can tell the same story in different ways depending on his audience.

Example: The four Gospels tell the same story but from different viewpoints.

Good interpreting allows the speaker to feel free to express himself and to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through him.
Keep in contact with all the people that you work with, including those from your country and also foreigners, through letters, pictures, e-mails or fax messages.

8) Overcoming Difficult Situations:

When you don’t understand or hear what the speaker said:

1) Pause and look at him.

2) Repeat the word that you didn’t understand. He will then repeat it or say it in a different way.

3) If you still don’t understand, simply say, “I don’t understand.”

In preparation, you may want to locate another qualified interpreter who is sitting nearby to help you with words you don’t understand or hear. This is more applicable to smaller settings.
Be sensitive in working with different denominations and doctrines. Are you working as an interpreter or sent to correct wrong doctrine?
Don’t complain to other people, (Matt. 18:15; 1 Cor. 6:7).
When the speaker makes a mistake as in a wrong verse reference. You need to be absolutely sure it was wrong. If so then simply repeat the verse to the speaker and allow him opportunity to correct it himself.
When the speaker gives you as his interpreter compliments in public, be sure to stay in your interpreting role and interpret everything he says.

9) Summary:

Know what interpreting is and when you should be in an interpreting role.
Always be prepared for an interpreting assignment. You are a professional.
A good interpreter will hardly be noticed and will be in high demand.
Are you just doing a job or has God called you into the ministry?
Be led by and flow with the Holy Spirit while interpreting.
You are an able minister, not of the letter that kills, but of the spirit that gives life (2 Cor. 3: 5-6).
Interpret from your heart, not just your head. Step over into the anointing for an interpreter.

International Christian Interpreter Association

ICIA Suggested Code of Ethics:

Ethics: The system of moral values. The principle of right or good conduct, set forth by a specific profession.

Accurate translation:

The interpreter will to the best of his ability, give an accurate translation of the message. The interpreter will convey the intent and the spirit of the message. The interpreter will not consider his or her own opinion while engaged in an interpreting assignment.

Honesty: To witness, testify. To give a good report. To say what you have heard.

Have a good conscience in all things, willing to live honestly. (Heb. 13:18)
People who have an honest and good heart bring forth good fruit. (Luke 8:15)
God will choose people who have an honest report and work through them and promote them. (Acts 6:3)
Provide all things honest in the sight of all men. (Rom. 12:17)
Provide for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (2 Cor. 8:21)
There is great responsibility being a Christian interpreter. We convey the most important message on earth! One wrong word can change the meaning of the message.
We become accountable to God for our actions.
To be able to convey the intent of the message, you need to know the meaning of the message.
Get to know the heart of the minister and the heart of the message. (Preparation)

Preparation:

The interpreter will prepare himself for the interpreting assignment. If possible he will obtain information regarding the message, to preview. The interpreter will pray for the proper interpretation, for God's leading, and for the Holy Spirit to have free course.

Preparation: Readiness to adjust, to be ready.

Always be prepared. (Eph. 6:15; Prov. 12:11; 18:9)
What can you do to prepare for an interpreting assignment?
Pray by yourself and with the speaker, if possible.
Get sermon notes from the minister.
Ask the minister questions and get to know him.
Study for yourself.
Know who the audience will be and how many will be there.
Know what kind of clothing the minister will wear.
Know if the minister will stand in one place or if he moves around.
Know if he ministers to the people individually and if you should interpret everything he says.
Know the surroundings where you will be interpreting and where to set your Bible .
Know how long the service will last.
Confirm the time and place of the church service.
Ask what version of the English Bible he will be using.
Ask the speaker if he will be using any jokes, cultural sayings or idioms.
Being prepared will reduce nervousness.

Conduct:

Interpreters must hold the highest of standards in their representation of the ministry and of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will not only apply in the workplace, but also in daily affairs. The interpreter will be prompt for all assignments and expected to remain engaged until released by the one who commissioned him. The interpreter will be neatly groomed and have proper attire for the interpreting assignment.

Behavior: Modest, orderly.

Have your conversation (behavior) honest among the Gentiles. (1 Peter 2:12)
Be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. (1 Peter 1:15)
Be sensible and well behaved, dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life. (1 Timothy 3:2)
Be an example to the believers, in word, conduct, love, faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Just like ministers, interpreters have many people watching them. We have a higher standard.
Be on time and others will learn to respect you and trust you. Being prompt will build credibility. If you will be late, call and let them know. (Higher standard)
Conduct yourself as a professional.
Do your best to conform to the clothing of the speaker.

Communication:

If the interpreter has a different opinion of the message being preached, he will discuss it before or after the presentation. He will respect the opinions of the one who has engaged him at all times during the messages. There should be communication between the interpreter and the one who has commissioned him as to what part or role he is to play in the conversations. If payment is to be made, it will be agreed upon before the interpreting assignment. If the interpreter feels he is not competent enough for the interpreting assignment requested, he is to convey that to the person who has commissioned him at the earliest possible moment.

Communication: The words you speak; the message you convey.

Speak only things that are good and beneficial to others. (Eph. 4:29)
Be submitted to others out of reverence for Christ. (Eph. 5:21)
Be eager to please those you work for. Work as if you are working for the Lord. (Eph. 6:5-8)
Whatever may be your work, do it heartily. (Col. 3:23)
Let your speaking at all times be gracious and pleasant. (Col. 4:6)
Christians are the salt of the earth. That means you are a good communicator. (Matt.5:13)

Continuing Education:

The interpreter will continue to improve his interpreting skills by: personal study, attending church services, Bible conferences, seminars and whatever opportunity that may be available to him. The interpreter will be a daily student of the Bible and become intimately familiar with the main themes of the Bible.

Study: To make effort, be prompt, earnest, endeavor, labor, eagerness and haste.

Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Eagerly search and examine the Scriptures daily. (Acts 17:11)
All Christian should have daily devotions.
Get skillful and godly wisdom, get understanding, discernment, comprehension and interpretation. (Prov. 4:5-7)
Do not be lazy or idle. (Prov. 10:4)
Do not forsake or neglect to assemble together with believers. (Heb. 10:25)
Set goals and make a plan. If you have a vision for nothing, that is what you will get. (Hab. 2:2)

Confidentiality:

In interpreting any private setting, such as a counseling session or upon request, the interpreter will keep the information that was interpreted and the assignment strictly confidential.

Confidential: To hold as a secret; having another's trusted confidence.

Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to take offence and get angry. (James 1:19)
A person who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden. (Prov. 11.13)
Discover not and disclose not another’s secret. (Prov. 25:9)

Summary:

God has made you an able minister of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. (2 Cor. 3:5, 6)
Jesus Christ our Lord has enabled you, for He has counted you faithful, putting you into the ministry. (1 Timothy. 1:12)
The Lord God has given you the tongue of the learned, that you should know how to speak a word in season, to him that is weary. (Isa. 50:4)

Areas of Consideration for the Interpreter

Not confirming appointments
Not showing up for an appointment
Poor time management
Criticizing other interpreters
Not knowing how to receive criticism (don’t let it go to your heart)
Not knowing how to receive praise (don’t let it go to your head)
Complaining to others regarding wages
Arguing with the minister while interpreting
Standing in front of speaker
Talking too much while with clients (when not in an interpreting role)
Setting appointments without confirming with the minister
Poor posture while interpreting
Not repeating the minister when he is repetitious
Not interpreting for the minister after the sermon
Responding to the negative actions of the people
Inserting names and places on your own
Reading materials not intended for the interpreter to read
Holding your Bible too much while interpreting
Having a bad or negative attitude
Continuously shaking your head to acknowledge that you understand
Using incorrect selection of words for different types of audiences
Telling the speaker that his speaking time is finished
Your voice too low or soft so that others can’t hear you
Trying to influence the speaker to speak slower
Chewing gum while interpreting
Telling the people when to laugh at the minister’s jokes
Poor eye contact

Areas of Consideration for the Minister

Working longer than what was agreed upon
Speaking too fast
Speaking too long at one time
Speaking with too much slang or using difficult idioms
Pressing the interpreter to give them private information
Making mistakes while speaking
Not giving the interpreter enough time to interpret
Speaking sentences that are too short or too long
Poor eye contact
Poor posture
Poor public speaking abilities