Interpretation Guideline
Concise Version
OVERVIEW
As the Gospel is preached throughout the world, the holy work of interpretation has become essential to spreading God’s word to different nationalities and countries. Interpretation is vital when sermons are delivered to a multi-lingual congregation. It involves more than just processing words from one language into another; interpreters must also translate the spiritual essence of the sermon in order to edify the congregation. Like the speaker, the interpreter serves as a secondary mouthpiece of God; therefore, it is important that interpreters constantly pursue a deeper Biblical knowledge and spirituality in order to effectively speak God’s words. Due to the varying nature of sermon topics, interpreters should also continue to expand their knowledge in various fields, placing Biblical knowledge as top priority.
ROLES
· Faithfully interpret the sermon for those who cannot understand the language in which the sermon is delivered.
· Help to eliminate language barriers among the congregation.
HOW TO
PREPARATION BEFOREHAND
· Pray for the guidance and abidance of the Lord.
· Bible Knowledge
o Know the books of the Bible.
o Be familiar with common Old Testament and New Testament terms.
o Be familiar with common names and places in the Bible.
· Church Knowledge
o Understand the essential doctrines (Basic Beliefs) of our church.
o Know the history, structure, names, and present conditions of our church.
· General Knowledge
o Expand knowledge in all fields (i.e. literature, history, medicine, etc.).
o Be informed on historical events and keep up with current events.
· Language Skills
o Read books on effective public speaking and communication.
o Learn to pronounce all the Bible books and Biblical terminologies correctly.
· Learning Skills
o Listen to recordings of your own interpretation and make necessary improvements.
o Observe and learn from other interpreters.
· Additional Pointers
o Be familiar with commonly used expressions and sayings.
o Get books on common terminologies in different languages (e.g. American English All-Purpose manual that has Chinese and English terms).
o Keep an interpretation notebook; take note of words or phrases you do not know.
o Talk to the sermon speaker beforehand about the theme and key phrases.
PREPARATION ON THE HOUR
· Interpreters are visible to the congregation throughout the service, so dress appropriately and groom yourself accordingly as one serving God and representing the church.
o Neat appearance – hair combed, facial hair neatly shaved/trimmed, shirt tucked in, and so on.
o Appropriate attire for brothers – collared shirts, ties, slacks, dress shoes (avoid t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, sandals).
o Appropriate attire for sisters – shirts, skirts, slacks, dress shoes (avoid excessive jewelry, jeans, shorts, sneakers, sandals).
DURING INTERPRETATION
· Be reverent, calm, and stay focused.
· Use common words (layman’s terms) that everyone can understand.
o Be simple and precise.
o Avoid repeating the same words.
o Know your audience - be respectful and choose appropriate words.
o Use active voice.
· Project your voice and enunciate words clearly.
o Be expressive and enthusiastic.
o Maintain the same speed and tone as the speaker.
· Stand firm and upright.
o Look towards the audience, avoid looking down at the Bible all the time.
o Do not lean on the podium or sway too much.
· Be faithful to the words of the speaker.
o Listen carefully, do not make assumptions of what the speaker will say or is saying.
AFTER INTERPRETATION
· Look up words and Bible verses that were incorrectly interpreted.
· Be able to accept suggestions and constructive criticism.
· Continue to practice, learn, correct, and improve.
Liturgical Guideline Series Page 2 January 2009