There is a reason why our training is largely a collection of different “shadowing” exercises. As I mentioned at the beginning, “shadowing” is the approachable first step to building a bridge toward a successful interpretation. It’s also a simple platform where we can methodically train different cognitive “muscles” to meet the various demands during interpretation.
The simplest form of shadowing trains how to listen, memorize and speak without being burdened to translate and organize our speech. A longer lag in shadowing further trains our ability to memorize. In Shadowing III, we introduce the additional demand for speech organization. Meanwhile, almost all other posts and issues focus on building the knowledge required to translate daily languages and Biblical concepts between languages.
So, What Now?
With the aforementioned training and materials, the basic framework of that bridge is in place, and our brains should be sufficiently equipped to start interpreting. I believe many of you already gained various successes while attempting to “Put It Together“. Some of you are even capable enough to conduct live interpretation at church. So, kudos to you all!
But a barebone framework is far from enough. We need to continuously hone our craft, improve our skills, and strengthen that bridge so that it can hopefully run highway traffic one day. To do that, you can repeat the practices that we have walked through, or better yet, try the following amped-up versions.
Balance the Scale
Most of us are more fluent in one language than others. That, however, is no problem when it comes to interpretation. As long as someone can understand well enough in one language (let’s say C language), and proficient enough to speak in the other (let’s say A language), he or she can reasonably interpret from C into A.
But why leave it like that? The lowest hanging fruit, in this case, is clearly proficiency in C language. To help with that, try shadowing in C language. This contrasts the instruction in previous shadowing exercises, where preference is given to A language (the one that we are most comfortable with). Now, if you have been shadowing in English, try Mandarin.
Shadowing in C gradually compensates for the weakness in comprehension and reduces the cognitive load during listening and memorizing. Over time, the C language may just turn into a B language (fluent, but not primary).
Counting Sheep
Previous shadowing exercises incrementally put more cognitive load on our brains. They push our boundaries and allow us to take advantage of our neuroplasticity for good. So, why stop there?
For all you brave souls, next time you do any of the shadow exercises, grab a pen and paper. Write from 1 to 100 while you are doing the usual exercises. You will feel the burn, and in the future, growth!