Challenges and Coping Strategies in English-Kiswahili Sermon Interpreting

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges church interpreters encounter during English-Kiswahili sermon interpreting in Pentecostal churches in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Guided by Gile’s (1995) Effort Models of Interpreting, the research employs a qualitative design to provide an in-depth analysis of the interpreters' experiences. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and video recordings in two purposively selected Pentecostal churches in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The findings reveal that interpreters often face significant challenges, including the rapid pace of preachers' speech, technical malfunctions in public address systems, the complexity of figurative language, and the physical and mental fatigue associated with prolonged interpreting sessions. These challenges frequently resulted in communication breakdowns between preachers and their audiences. To address these challenges, sermon interpreters adopted various strategies, including skipping certain parts of the message, summarising content, maintaining intense focus, and engaging in rigorous Bible study to enhance their understanding and preparation. Although these coping mechanisms were sometimes effective, persistent challenges often led to information loss and hindered effective communication. The study also highlights a significant lack of professional training among the interpreters, which significantly limited their ability to manage the challenges during sermon interpreting. Comparatively, the literature indicates that professionally trained interpreters are better equipped to address challenges during interpreting, benefiting from their advanced skills and specialised methodological training. Based on these insights, the study advocates for the development of specialised professional training programmes for interpreters in Tanzania. These programmes would equip interpreters with essential knowledge, advanced skills, and a strong ethical foundation, enabling them to deliver high-quality interpretations and ensure accurate and effective communication in religious and other social settings in Tanzania. Keywords: Interpreting, sermon interpreting, guest preachers, challenges of interpreting, back translation. https://dx.doi.org/10.56279/ummaj.v11i2.3