Church Interpreting

Words of God on the Hands

their main point is, and *then* give all the supporting details. Deaf signers also tend to be more straight-forward in their explanations and make the connections between things more explicit. Now, what can you do about all this? See if you can get a copy of the preacher's outline beforehand. That way, you know where s/he's going with it. You can also look up the scriptures beforehand and work at translating them. Go to workshops and try to network with other religious interpreters in your area and within your religious denomination. Do the best you can. And be open to any suggestions from the Deaf members (but sometimes asking for feedback can be taken as your fishing for a compliment, so be careful). Educate yourself as much as you can, and you will improve and be better able to make sense of all this mess you have to interpret."
-DEAFELA
"I used to interpret my pastor growing up as a teenager. The suggestion that I would give to you, is to make sure that you tell your friend first before the pastor begins his stories, that he is telling a personal experience that is related to the bible story. I think that your friend would be able to tell the difference between the two stories that are being compared. And also try to summarize the story that he is telling, dont try to sign every single word that he is saying."
-SSTAFFOR
"I read this post with great interest because church interpreting is really how I got my start in the interrpeting field. I've been interpreting in church for about five years, and here's some "pearls of wisdom" I have picked up:
1. Ask the church office to send you the lessons, gospel readings, etc., each week prior to the service. That way you have plenty of time to prepare, making sure you know the stories and vocabulary.
2. Ask your priest to give you a copy of the sermon before the service. Our priest usually writes up his sermon on Saturdays, so when I interpret, I arrive at church early. We have him trained (all of the interpreters, that is) and he always leaves a copy of the full sermon on our podium.
3. Discuss with your deaf friend on how exactly she wants you to interpret. Ask her if she wants you to sign in English or ASL, stuff like that. Tell her that there will be some things you miss, and ask her how she wants you to handle that. The way I handle things like the sermon, for example, is I tell my deaf audience where it will be set, because my priest is very well read and likes to bring in philosophers and stuff from all over the world. I often give the deaf audience my copy of the sermon, so when the priest says a long, difficult to spell name I can just tell them "the Indian name on page 5" or something like that.
4. Relax! Your friend appreciates what you are doing for her, and if you stink, she would probably tell you. Also, ask her for feedback; that can be very helpful."
-ZORRO414
"Your friend is very lucky to have you attend church with her.
She probably appreciates just having you there with her. I became sudden deafness two years ago. I am just now starting to deal with things like finding someone to teach me, my husband, and two sons sign language. I have picked up some lip reading but not enough to follow complete conversations.

The church that I attend is small and I am the only deaf person there. Attending after deafness in my situation was very hard at first. Not knowing what the sermon was about, where everyone was in the hymn books, and etc. But the fellowship and the support from this church family was so needed and important to me. My preacher now makes me a copy of the entire sermon, personal experiences, jokes and all included and gives me before service. This is not the best answer but at least until I learn sign language, I know what has been taught and understand more. Your being with your friend and the fellowship she receives in church is worth more than anything that she may miss."
-YOUNGDEBO
"I realize that a license is not needed to interpret in church. If there are any more sign classes you could take...I'm sure your friend would greatly appreciate it. There are too many important "rules" that signers need to learn, which cannot be taught in basic community education classes, or over the internet.

One thing I know helped my deaf friend with her Biblical understanding was a Bible Study Group. It usually took place in a casual setting (a friend's home) and questions were asked freely. Not only that, making the "daily connections" seemed to occur natually (without the signer explaining any meaning), simply because of the conversations that occured amongst all the brothers' and sisters' input on how to apply the Word to daily life.

Also, my friend was baptized with the Holy Spirit. HIS guidance is what she believes gives her understanding about God's Word and her life, not the signer trying to explain 'the connections'."
-CAMPZION
"God has a plan for each of our lives. I know that I am called to interpret in church and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing