MEANING LOSS IN KISWAHILI–LUTSOTSO INTERPRETATION DURING CHURCH SERVICES

Abstract

The application of language in the church communication may be highly significant especially in sermons, prayers as well as liturgy. However, there is a very big problem of interpretation between the Kiswahili, the liturgical language used and the Lutsotso language, which most congregants use. The present study addressed the issue of meaning loss in Kiswahili-Lutsotso interpretation in the church services through the Pragmatic Model of Simultaneous Interpretation proposed by Martha Tirkkonen-Condit (1989). The discussion reveals that Kiswahili has many theological and biblical phrases which have no direct Lutsotso equivalents. Consequently, estimations, borrowings, or simplified translations are adopted by interpreters, which does not only weaken the correctness of the dogma, but also kills the power of rhetoric and the figurative message. This meaninglessness is not only affecting the understandings, but also defines the way the congregants build theological knowledge, and the problem of inclusivity and power in church speech. The study has its implications on various stakeholders. It provides meaning to the policymakers who regard the minority languages like Lutsotso important in the religious and the overall arenas to promote equality in access to knowledge of spirituality. It emphasizes to the linguists the need to have liturgical lexicons and bigger account of underrepresented languages so as to bring about a reduction of semantic gaps. Religious organizations and interpreters are the cases where the outcomes can demonstrate the significance of the specialized training that is both theologically and practically competent. Lastly, to the local communities, the research confirms the relevance of culture-based translation practices. Tackling the meaning loss can thus improve inclusiveness, protection of cultural identity, and guarantee transfer of religious messages at the Kiswahili-Lutsotso church settings.