2BCDI

http://rid.org/UserFiles/File/pdfs/Standard_Practice_Papers/Drafts_June_2006/Religious_SPP.pdf

About Interpreting in Religious SettingsReligious interpreting occurs in settings which are spiritual in nature. These settings can includeworship services, religious education, workshops, conferences, retreats, confession, scripture study,youth activities, counseling, tours and pilgrimages, weddings, funerals and other special ceremonies.Religious interpreting poses unique challenges and requires specific skills and knowledge to addressthose needs. Special consideration should also be given to the interpreting environment and to interpretercompensation.Specialized SkillsProfessionals interpreting in a religious context should have fluency in a signed language (e.g.American Sign Language or Signed English) and a spoken language (e.g. English or Spanish). Inaddition, knowledge of a source language of an original text found in scripture such as Arabic,Hebrew, Latin or others would enhance the overall interpretation. It is ideal for the interpreter to havefamiliarity with the sacred text; however, the interpreter may need to work with an English translation.Some interpreters enter the field by working in a religious venue. For some persons, interpreting ina religious setting is a spiritual calling. Interpreters are strongly encouraged to enhance their skills byworking with a religious mentor who is a seasoned and/or certified interpreter before working independently.For additional information about mentoring, read RID’s SPP titled, Mentoring.Specialized KnowledgeInterpreters will want to be aware of the consumer’s cultural expectations and preferences that arespecific to the environment. Interpreters in religious settings should also have access to and familiarizethemselves with: Specialized vocabulary both signed and spoken that relate to the specific setting Texts specific to the setting (e.g. Koran, Torah, Bible) Materials used (e.g. sermon notes, homilies, multimedia presentations) Belief system(s), doctrine(s), creed(s) and ceremonial prayer(s)Interpreters should be aware of how their own beliefs may potentially conflict with the beliefs of adifferent faith. Interpreters will want to accept assignments in a religious setting where they can faithfullyand impartially interpret the message. Whether an interpreter needs to be a practicing memberof a certain faith or follower of its precepts is a decision made by those requesting interpreting services.These issues should always be discussed with the interpreter and consumers prior to delivery ofinterpreting services.In addition, interpreters who are members of RID must adhere to the NAD-RID Code ofProfessional Conduct regarding confidentiality. The interpreter should keep all interpreted informationconfidential, such as confessions, counseling and private meetings.STANDARD PRACTICE PAPERWorking EnvironmentThe religious interpreting environment requires advance preparation and cooperation on severalfronts. Prior communication with a specific on-site contact along with access to the person(s) in chargeof the presentations and presenters themselves is critical. The members affiliated with the particular settingshould also be made aware of the interpreting services to be rendered, and all parties shouldunderstand the role of the interpreter.The contact person should ensure the interpreter is provided with the necessary materials needed forthe interpreter to appropriately prepare and assist in the logistics, placement and smooth integration ofthe interpreter’s services into the religious activity. These arrangements should be made in advance ofthe date of the service or event.PreparationEach interpreter’s access to all the materials, along with the order of each event/ceremony, with sufficienttime to prepare appropriately, is central to the interpreting function.Specific musical arrangements, lyrics and the meaning behind poetic language require analysis andrehearsal. This level of preparation by the interpreter is necessary in order to render a piece of music orpoetic expression that is accurate, artistic, culturally modified and as visually inspiring and insightful asthe audio portion. In this specialized setting, preparation by the interpreter requires commitment toensure quality interpreting, such as matching the music flow, using the correct sign modality, providingan accurate rendition of the frozen text, displaying the appropriate emotions and actions, etc.Long or complex events may require a team of two or more interpreters. Additionally, a musical ordramatic program may require weeks of preparation that may necessitate involvement of the interpreter(s) in the rehearsals. Preparation would also include information and detailed attention as to whatis or is not acceptable, permissible to (or not to) interpret and appropriate attire.MaterialsMaterials include but are not limited to music, sacred text or readings, along with the translations.These materials can be provided in a printed and/or recorded format. Subsequently, the contact personwill want to ensure the interpreter(s) are provided with lists of names that may be read, the agenda,announcements, copies of sermons, speeches, poetry, scripts of any artistic performances, songs andthe like in advance.Placement of Interpreter:While the interpreter’s placement may vary, it is important for the interpreter to consider acoustics,sight line, lighting, background, location and availability of equipment, but special consideration shouldbe given to a religion’s accepted protocol in a religious service. For the benefit of the participants, theinterpreter should be sensitive to the following: Space for a music stand to place materials Hierarchy Gender roles Areas deemed sacred Multimedia Videotaping Physical movement inherent to the service2 Interpreting in Religious SettingsInterpreting in Religious Settings 3 STANDARD PRACTICE PAPERCompensationIf a professional interpreter views religious interpreting as service/ministry to the organization or acharitable contribution, she/he may not expect payment. In situations when interpreters do not chargefor their services, interpreters may want to consider educating their religious communities about potentialexpenses of services to develop awareness. Some interpreters accept payment but may donate itback to the religious establishment. For additional information about billing practices, read RID’s SPPtitled, Business Practices: Hiring an Interpreter/Billing Considerations.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESEl Paso CC National Multicultural InterpretingProjectMary L. Mooney, Project DirectorEl Paso Community CollegeP.O. Box 20500El Paso, TX 79998(915) 831-2432 V/TTY(915) 831-2095 FAXE-mail: marym@epcc.eduhttp://www.epcc.edu/Community/NMIP/Welcome.htmlNational Catholic Office for the Deaf7202 Buchanan StreetLandover Hills, MD 20784-2236(301) 577-1684 V/Fax(301) 577-4184 TTY/Video PhoneE-mail: info@ncod.orgwww.ncod.orgJewish Deaf Congress (Formerly NationalCongress of Jewish Deaf)President: Martin Florsheim(718) 740-0470 TTY(718) 740-4994 FAXE-mail: DCCNEWS@aol.comhttp://www.jirs.org/jirs/jirs0005ys.htmlEpiscopal Conference for the DeafE-mail: JLCroft@juno.comhttp://www.ecdeaf.com/International Catholic Deaf AssociationUnited States Section7202 Buchanan StreetLandover Hills, MD 20784(301) 429-0697 TTY(301) 429-0698 FAXEmail: homeoffice@icda-us.orghttp://www.icda-us.org© Copyright 2000 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. Written by the Professional Standards Committee,1997-1999. REV 5/00, Updated 2007.TEXT RESOURCESBlake, Joan SIGNING THE SCRIPTURES: A Starting Point for Interpreting the SundayReadings for the Deaf (Year A). Liturgy Training Publications, 2004.Blake, Joan SIGNING THE SCRIPTURES: A Starting Point for Interpreting the SundayReadings for the Deaf (Year B). Liturgy Training Publications, 2005.Blake, Joan SIGNING THE SCRIPTURES: A Starting Point for Interpreting the SundayReadings for the Deaf (Year C). Liturgy Training Publications, 2003.Yates, Jr., Leo INTERPRETING AT CHURCH: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters.BookSurge, LLC, 2007.