Listening with the Eyes: Experiences of a Sign Language Interpreter in Bible Translation

Deaf people in Peru face enormous barriers to accessing the written Bible, mainly because a large majority are not literate in Spanish. When the Peruvian Bible Society began the translation of the Bible into Peruvian Sign Language, it was realized that the task involved more than simply interpreting the Spanish Bible. It is necessary to translate from the perspective of the Deaf community, respecting their natural language, which is not just signs, but also includes culture, identities, and soul. This translation has to come from them, from their hearts, not from a hearing perspective. The role of a sign language interpreter on the translation team is not just as an interpreter or exegete, but as a facilitator and guide in a process led by Deaf people. The work consists of supporting without imposing, strengthening the skills of the Deaf team, encouraging them to trust themselves and make linguistic decisions that ensure the biblical message is clear, faithful, and meaningful for their community. It has involved learning to relinquish the spotlight, to listen with the eyes, and to deeply value their leadership.