Many short term ministry teams working abroad utilize local language translators to help in their work. Some groups seek to have one translator for each team member, while others may only need one for several team members. Here are some thoughts on how to find translators for your team and how to ensure a quality experience with them.
Local universities are excellent places to look for translators. Your national contact can connect with English professors and let them know that your team is coming. Many professors welcome the opportunity for their students to interact with native English speakers and even give extra credit to those who do. For the student, working as a translator, even if it is only for a few days, is an invaluable learning experience.
Also consider using mature high school students as translators. In many countries, children start learning English in the school systems at an early age. By the time they get to high school they actually are quite fluent, and even know a lot of slang as a result of watching American movies and using the Internet.
Foreign exchange students who spent time in the U.S. or another English speaking country also make great translators.
Always determine in advance if these translators need to be paid or if they are volunteering. Even if they volunteer, you may want to consider giving them some kind of an appreciation gift. You also want to make sure that you cover any expenses they incur as they work for you. Things like bus fare, meals, cell phone calls, etc. are typical expenses that they might have as they support your team.
As possible translators are discovered, it is ideal if they can be screened by someone you trust who both understands what your team will be doing and is fluent in English. If your team will be doing talks or presentations of a religious nature, make sure that your translators are familiar with religious terms. Many will not be unless they have a church background. If you find that you can only recruit translators like this, then have someone create and translate a vocabulary list of common terms that your group might use. The translators should be briefed on the list and have the terms explained to them.
Once you pair up a translator with a team member or group of team members, try to keep them together during the duration of your time there. Continuity of translators is best for everyone. Don’t have a translator work with different people each day unless there is a personality or other conflict. Let the translator and team member(s) develop a relationship so that they can learn how to best work together.
Following these few ideas could make a real difference in the quality of your communications as you minister abroad. Do you have tips, suggestions or thoughts on using translators for international missions or humanitarian projects? We invite you to share them on the discussion tab of our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MinistryTravelor at the Ministry Travel Group on LinkedIn.com.