Interpreting at Church: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters

Interpreter’s Resource Shelf (appeared in RID VIEWS August-September, 2007, reprinted with permission)
Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.

Interpreting at Church: A Paradigm for Sign Language Interpreters by Leo Yates, Jr. BookSurge, 2007. ISBN 1-4196-5318-0. $29.95. (Available for $19.77 through amazon.com)

Yates, himself a CODA, interpreter, and former pastor of a Deaf church, breaks down the basics of interpreting in religious settings in this well-organized book. Though he touches on other traditions, the book primarily concerns itself with Christian settings, and explores aspects as varied as worship services, weddings, funerals, and ministry to the dying. The author approaches his topic from many angles, acknowledging the diversity of background experience among religious interpreters. He begins with an overview of the interpreting profession and the ethical considerations that arise in religious settings, then moves into a thorough discussion of the dynamics of these settings and strategies for dealing with issues that may arise. Next he focuses on language skill development for religious interpreters, discussing general interpreting terms such as register and expansion in the context of examples specific to religious settings. But the best part of the book stems from the author’s intricate knowledge of his subject; Yates’ discussion of text analysis and examples of ASL interpretations provide a solid paradigm. Seven resource sections include glossaries of theological terms, a compilation of suggestions for new interpreters from veterans, and a photographic dictionary of religious signs. This is a book sure to go right alongside the hymnal on the religious interpreter’s resource shelf.

This column appears monthly in VIEWS. Please direct questions, comments, or suggestions for resources to highlight in future issues to Kathy MacMillan at info@kathymacmillan.com.