Title: Vers la professionnalisation L'interprétation d'église au Togo
Authors: KOGOMNA Pya Abalo
Volume: 7
Issue: 12
Pages: 379-387
Publication Date: 2023/12/28
Abstract:
The present study explores the situation of church interpreting in Lomé, the capital of Togo, and the challenges of its professionalisation. It used a mixed method, combining a questionnaire and interviews to collect data from the stakeholders of church interpreting: interpreters, church and Christian NGO leaders and their members. The data collected were analysed based on functionalist and interactionist theories of professionalisation. Findings show that the stakeholders of church interpreting are church interpreters, church leaders and leaders Christian NGOs, congregants and members. Each of them plays a role in the professionalisation process. The results also highlighted obstacles to professionalisation, such as the lack of involvement of church and Christian NGO leaders in the process of professionalisation. Moreover, findings also reveal the lack of remuneration, training, certification, codes of ethics and associations of church interpreters. In light of these obstacles, professionalizing church interpreting must involve raising church community awareness on religious and social stakes of church interpreting, acceptance of the principle of remuneration by church leaders and leaders of Christian NGOs, and the adoption of codes of ethics. This would lead to the creation of interpreting training schools and even to the creation of interpreters' associations later on. This study provides a description of the stakeholders of church interpreting and their role in the professionalisation process. It confirms the non-professional status of church interpreting in Togo and proposes ways to professionalise church interpreting.