Juli Clayton and Kendal Murray are the current hands behind BYU-I Devotionals every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.
” … When I’m interpreting something like Devotional, it goes in my ears and out my hands,” Clayton said. “I don’t really retain a lot of it.”
Clayton and Murray typically receive the transcript of the Devotional speech several days before the weekly event. This way, they have time to study and understand what the speaker is trying to convey. Then, they can effectively turn their message into sign language.
On occasion, they don’t get a transcript and it is up to their own capabilities to interpret the speech.
Juli Clayton studying transcripts for Devotional. Photo credit: Morgan Thrasher
“I try and at least explain the concept in a way that I know, and if I don’t know or if it’s gonna take too long, then worse comes to worse I’ll just fingerspell the word,” Murray said.
During Devotional Clayton and Murray typically split the work.
Kendal Murray interpreting for Devotional. Photo credit: Morgan Thrasher
Clayton or Murray will translate the first half which includes the opening prayer and the scripture. Then they will switch and the next person will translate the talk and the closing prayer.
Devotional isn’t the only thing that Clayton and Murray do on campus. They also assist students who need ASL interpreters in their classes.
Juli Clayton translates during class. Photo credit: Morgan Thrasher
If you would like to watch the latest Devotional in ASL you can do so here.
If you want to learn or improve your sign language there is more info on the ASL campus club here.
