Interpreters can be a bridge

I know the title of this blog post might be “throwing you for a loop” since I’ve been talking about the importance of using interpreters.  But I want you stick with me for a few moments

Dependence on interpreters?

In one of the bilingual pastor’s meeting I’ve attended over the summer a friend was talking about how he needed an interpreter.  (He was just talking about the passage in scripture about “One body, many parts”.)

I knew what he meant at the time, but the thought occurred to me…”Is he also too dependent on interpreters?”

At least from my perspective, if someone is regularly using an interpreter it feels like they don’t really want to develop a relationship with me.  It kind of puts that person at a distance.

I remember when I was working at the bank.  They hired an ASL interpreter for one of my coworkers.  It helped her understanding what was going on, but it didn’t encourage anyone to talk with her.

Importance of learning a language while using interpreters

I believe interpreters will always be an important part of the Church here on earth.  They help connect and build a bridge between two people groups.

But I want to encourage you to learn a new language.  Whenever I hear someone make an effort to speak to me in Korean it really blesses me.  They don’t always say it with the correct pronunciation, but it does bless me a great deal.

You can use Survival Phrases, which is a free program that’s also available on iTunes.  They go through some essential phrases to learn in many different languages and give you a short cultural lesson too.

If you budget accordingly, you can also use Rosetta Stone.  They teach you through immersion and, in a sense, force you to learn the language.  I really like this program.

Lesson

Interpreters are an amazing bridge in the church.  They help us interpreter sermons and songs.  And at the same time I want you to learn the language that these interpreters are using.

You’d be amazed how grateful people are when you speak just a few phrases in their language.  And, always check with an interpreter or native speaker when you’re learning new words or translating songs.

You certainly don’t want to say the wrong thing.

Are you an interpreter?  Have you seen people become encouraged to learn new languages because of your interpreting/gift?

Share your story and your life…

Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284

More blog posts related to interpreters and language:

Remembering native language names
Fingerspelling and ASL

© 2010, Peter Park. All rights reserved.