PULPIT INTERPRETING IN IGBO LAND

Abstract

Interpreting, as a subfield of translation, is a bi-directional communicative activity involving the source-language speaker and the interpreter for the benefit of a target audience. This underscores the interpreter’s role as a mediator between a speaker and the intended audience, whether in a conference, meeting, judicial proceeding, business transaction, or sermon. As a professional requirement, the interpreter must possess bilingual competence in both the Source Language (SL) and the Target Language (TL). For instance, an interpreter may work from English into Igbo. In addition, the interpreter must be familiar with the terminology and doctrinal expressions relevant to the subject matter of the discourse. Before the First World War, interpreting was largely regarded as a product of contact bilingualism. However, since World War II, extensive research has been conducted by psychologists, linguists, professional interpreters, interpreting trainers, and students of interpreting studies. This study examines some of these research findings and scholarly contributions with particular relevance to pulpit interpreting in Igboland, both in theory and practice. The study adopts the Interpretive Theory developed by Danica Seleskovitch and Marian Lederer as its theoretical framework and Daniel Gile’s Effort Model as its methodological framework. It aims to acquaint pulpit interpreters in Igboland with the skills and competencies necessary for enhanced performance and recommends the introduction and expansion of interpreting studies in Nigerian universities and theological institutions. Daniel Gile’s Effort Model as methodology. The paper aims to acquaint pulpit interpreters in Igbo Land with necessary skills and competencies for enhanced performance and recommends interpreting studies in Nigerian universities and theological institutions.