English is widely used in many areas and is the language in which you will converse, teach and preach via an interpreter while on the mission field. In some churches two or three dialects are being translated even when there are not visitors present. There are some tricks of the trade, which you can use to make your translation more easily understood. Regardless of the skills a translator possesses, the person who is the primary speaker controls the translation quality. You can make your speaking more effective by following these principles when you speak:
- Stick to simple English and avoid the use of complex or difficult English words.
- Speak short phrases or simple sentences to permit a rhythm of translation. Try to complete a thought or phrase and then pause to allow your translator to understand the meaning of that phrase. In many cases, translated ideas require a different word order in the vernacular language.
- Do not use poems or colloquial sayings and avoid American slang, jokes, and idioms. Most of the time they do not translate well.