Most of our daily lives do not involve activities that naturally contribute to the mechanics of interpretation. Interpretation is quite frankly a “black box” that is foreign to almost all of us, and our brains as well. How do you train for such a thing?
One way is to force someone into that uncomfortable position and do it. It might just work for some people some of the time. But that hardly can be called training, and quite frankly, is a bit cruel.
That’s where “Shadowing” comes in. It’s the first step to building a bridge toward a successful interpretation. It’s easy enough to get started (trust me) and can be expanded step by step to reach where we need to be. Ready? This is what you do:
- Play a continuous video or recording in the language you are most comfortable with (e.g. an online sermon).
- After the recording plays a few words, repeat from the start in the same language exactly as you hear, while the recording keeps playing. (no interpretation)
- Continue for 5 minutes.
- Rest as needed, then continue for another 5 minutes.
- Repeat Step 4.
For example:
MLK: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up…
You: ………………………….. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up…
If you fall behind or have trouble keeping up. Stop, take two slow deep breaths and continue.
Once you get a hang of this exercise, go ahead and up the ante.