Translation Requires Good Doctrine, not Tradition

Over the past five years, I have learned the value of having a great translator.  Knowing the native language is not always enough to preach and teach the Word of God in another language.  Foreigners often speak with an accent, and use words more simplistic than a native speaker uses.  This is not always the case in some languages.  However, Mandarin is one of the more difficult languages to learn to speak, especially speaking it as the native Chinese speak.

"The ability to write in English does not make a person a professional writer. The ability to speak English does not make a person a professional speaker. Likewise, the ability to write or speak two languages does not mean that a person can translate or interpret. Plenty of people who are perfectly fluent in two languages fail professional exams for translation and interpreting. Why? Being bilingual does not guarantee that a person will be able to transport meaning from one language and culture to another without inflicting harm in the process."  Nataly Kelly  

Photo credit:  http://www.distinctivetranslationservices.com

Why is this important? 

Missionaries cannot randomly choose any person who speaks the local language and English 
to be their interpreter. (This also holds true for any church conducting bilingual services.)



Several problems arise when any person is chosen based solely on their ability to speak both languages.  Here are a few:

1. The message gets lost in poor translation. 
2. Traditional or Religious Teaching replaces the intended solid Word of God.
3. Cultural Stories or analogies change the focus of the message's main focus.
4. The interpreter indirectly (or even directly) interject his/her own personal experience, thoughts, into the message by trying to explain in his or her own words what the foreigner is saying rather than interpreting exactly what was said.  In this case, a preacher, evangelist, teacher, etc knows when the people do not understand, and will further clarify if necessary.  

Photo credit:
http://www.itranslation.com.sg/ 

We are very blessed by God to be provided with great interpreters with a heart to serve, and humble to learn God's Word and prepare themselves for accurate and well refined translation skills.  They have learned the Spirit of Faith through our Pastor, and apply a spirit of EXCELLENCE in delivering the message along side of him and the other foreigners who speak.