Participants at 2024 Interpreters' Conference
By Opeyemi Akinwale (Ile-Ife)
Interpreters' Unit of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS) Ile Ife, has held the second edition of Interpreters' Conference under the theme “The Work of the Holy Spirit and Capacity Building in the Ministry of Interpretation” on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at CACTS Chapel of Peace, Ile Ife, Osun State.
Taking the first lecture titled “Ethics and Roles of Capacity Building in the Ministry of Interpretation”, the Pastor-in-charge of CAC Latona English Assembly (Anointing Chapel) Osogbo, Pastor Ezekiel Olowookere explained the need to avoid mixing the ministry of interpretation with the divine ability of interpretation of tongues.
Pastor Olowookere said that in order to fulfill the duties of an interpreter, the basic skills needed are “Language Command Practice; Attention Skills; Analytical Skills; Memory Skills; Language Transfer Skills; Note-taking Skills; Cultural Awareness; Clear and Audible Speech/Visible Signing; Adaptability, and Knowledge of Subject Matter.”
The cleric, who is one of the leading Interpreters at the CAC National level, listed some of the several benefits in using an interpreter, both for the speaker as well as for the listeners, “people hear the message in their heart language. A language learning opportunity. The speaker can keep up with his or her sermon notes more easily. The interaction between the speaker and the interpreter provide some ‘comic relief in the message and make for a more enjoyable listening experience. Proper use of an interpreter yield immediate fruit in your sermons, but the improper use can spell disaster.”
In the second lecture on the topic, “The Work of the Holy Spirit and Capacity Building in the Ministry of Interpretation “, the personal interpreter to the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Adefowora Amos Obafemi, gave practical and life experiences of what is expected of a good interpreter, emphasizing that since the ministry of Interpretation is a ministry hence, the need for it to be spiritual.
He added that being learned does not guarantee successful interpretation ministry as nothing could be done without the Holy Spirit, citing instances where the Holy Spirit taught him new vocabularies.
Admitting being the General Evangelist's interpreter for over twenty years, he expressed that that the place of prayer cannot be overemphasized in the ministry of Interpretation, adding that if an interpreter can submit him/herself to the Holy Spirit, commit to personal development and prayer, such would excel in the ministry.
Earlier in his Keynote address, Evangelist Alade Omokayode Omotayo said that most interpreters commit blunders and errors today because they fail to develop capacity, explaining that the interpreter who is not the main speaker must prepare more than the preacher.
"And even when he has access to the note of the main speaker, he is doing a double job, thinking rapidly, processing and giving accurate meaning and translation of the intent of the speaker, hence, the need for adequate preparation and development," he said.
Evangelist Alade further stressed the need for gesticulation and bodily movements in line with that of the speaker, noting that the interpreter must be able to interpret both literally and culturally. He counselled the participants not to overdo or outshine the main speaker, charging his audience to “be an interpreter, not an interrupter“.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Interpreters’ Unit CACTS Ile Ife, Brother Olatunji Olamide built had earlier in his welcome speech progressed the event as a buildup of the maiden edition last year, emphasizing the need for such conference as a form of retreat for interpreters.
In attendance at the conference were, the Director of Students' Affairs, CACTS Ile Ife, Pastor M. A. Adetunji; Director of Summer Programme, CACTS Ile Ife, Evang. Mrs. Andrew Balogun; Director of Missions, Evang. Mrs F. Ilori; erstwhile coordinator of the unit/convener of the maiden edition, Evang. Boluwatife Oparinde; students of CACTS Ile Ife, Ilesa campus; workers of CAC Assemblies, and many others.
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