REDUCTION INTERPRETATION STRATEGIES ON CHURCH SERMONS: A STUDY OF KISWAHILI TO ENGLISH INTERPRETATION IN EVANGELICAL CHURCHES IN GATANGA SUBCOUNTY

Abstract

This paper examined reduction interpretation strategies on church sermons. Currently, there is an increase need for interpretation in most of the Kenyan churches due to the increase in a number of evangelistic churches in the country. This study examined sermons preached in English and consecutively interpreted to Kiswahili. The study focused on the effect of reduction interpretation on the intended meaning. The study applied interpretive theory of Interpretation as propounded by Marianne (2003). The study was anchored on a descriptive research design where both interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to select five churches that used interpreting, in which the sermons were preached in English and interpreted to Kiswahili. The study used a descriptive research design in collecting data from the respondents. The target population was drawn from each of the eight evangelical churches in Gatanga Sub County which consisted of pastors, interpreters and the audience. The study findings revealed that reduction interpretation strategy affect the interpretation of church sermons in Evangelical Churches. The study concludes that Reduction strategies did not meet the goal of interpreting church sermons instead they had a negative impact on the interpreted message. This study recommends that church interpreters should be brought to light to the works of other experienced interpreters as this will add to their knowledge