Interpretation in Wards and Branches
In contrast to the formal interpretation of General Conference and other major events, a less visible form of interpretation occurs regularly in wards and branches. The need for interpretation may arise in block meetings, stake conferences, social activities, interviews, home teaching visits, etc. Such interpretation efforts do not reach worldwide audiences, but they have significant impact in blessing the lives of individuals.
Getting Started
This site includes some basic information that will be of help to Church leaders in wards and branches who need to arrange for interpretation and also to individual members who are asked to provide that service.

Description | Documents | Media |
---|---|---|
1. Instructions for Interpreters | ![]() | |
2. Instructions for Priesthood Leaders | ![]() |
Other Useful Information
Translation
The conversion of a message written in one language to a written message with equivalent meaning in another language.
Interpretation
The conversion of a spoken or signed message in one language to a spoken or signed message in another language.
Source Language
The language in which a message is originally given.
Target Language
The language into which a message is to be translated or interpreted.
Native Language
The language in which a person has the greatest ease of expression (usually the language a person spoke in the home while growing up).
Consecutive Interpretation
Interpretation in which the source language speaker and the interpreter take turns. The speaker says a sentence or two and then pauses while the interpreter gives the interpretation in the target language.
Simultaneous Interpretation
Interpretation in which the source language speaker does not pause and the interpreter speaks at the same time but lags a few words or phrases behind.