Introduction Imagine if you were required to give an eight-hour speech with a fifteen minute or so break every hour – you would be mentally and physically exhausted! Translation Excellence explains that simultaneous interpreting is a demanding profession requiring unwavering attention to detail and an ability to analyse information at a very fast rate. It… Continue reading Why you need 2x interpreters for your event.
Author: Yellow Owl
Welcome to Interpreter Insider, so glad you could join us!
As an Insider you’ll be a member of this limited group of like-minded thinkers with exclusive knowledge about the ins and outs of the interpreting industry – and other related topics. You will have access to insights, experiences, tips and Yellow Owl's personal take on what the future of SASL interpreting may look like.
Thuli Zikalala is the founder of Yellow Owl. This blog is a reflection of her bold decisions made about a year ago that led her to this very moment. It is a collection of the lessons learnt along her journey.
Enjoy!
#SASL12: What’s Next? Tips for SASL Interpreters.
Introduction On the 19th July 2023 at the Union Building in Pretoria; President Cyril Ramaphosa made the historical announcement of SASL being recognised as the 12th official language in South Africa. This is a huge milestone for the Deaf community, Deaf education, organisations, stakeholders, families – and of course, SASL interpreters. The road ahead is… Continue reading #SASL12: What’s Next? Tips for SASL Interpreters.
Interpreter Building Blocks with Eugene Mathey
Introduction Eugene ‘Gene’ Mathey is a lecturer at North West University and has an MA in interpreting. He is a professional interpreter with almost 20 years experience in the industry. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation. 1) Why is language fluency so important for interpreters? Having the required language proficiency is the main… Continue reading Interpreter Building Blocks with Eugene Mathey
Diversity in the workplace: An interview with jeweller Ditebogo Sesana
Diversity is important in any workplace and it means more than just making sure different genders, cultures and races are represented. Encouraging an organisational culture that is accepting of everyone, where each person feels valued enough to contribute, is a fundamental part of good business management. Disability does not mean a lack of ability to… Continue reading Diversity in the workplace: An interview with jeweller Ditebogo Sesana
How to build your Vocabulary Word Bank
Interpreting is a highly skilled profession that requires linguistic fluency, a good memory, listening skills, intellect, emotional and social awareness. No two days are the same – and this makes each encounter that more exciting! It’s near impossible to know and understand every single industry-specific jargon; even the most knowledgeable and experienced interpreter will encounter… Continue reading How to build your Vocabulary Word Bank
2021 Reflections: The year that was.
Another year of growth. I’m grateful, proud and exhausted. I think this year has been a continuation of the previous year 2020 – by now most people have pivoted their mindsets, businesses and lifestyles to future-proof their environments. There’s so much to be grateful for: Fulfilling my life’s purpose everyday, my loved ones are alive… Continue reading 2021 Reflections: The year that was.
Mentorship: Be one and Get one.
I never thought that one day people would look up to me; and ask for my support and guidance as their mentor – the exact same thing I did to my current mentors a few years ago. There’s always that hint of pressure to exceed expectations when asked for advice, because you suddenly realise that… Continue reading Mentorship: Be one and Get one.
The Power of Progress: One Year Later.
As we celebrate the first year anniversary of Yellow Owl’s existence, we reflect on our journey and celebrate the small wins. Progress is a powerful motivator to drive inspiration, even when setbacks happen. I recently read an article published by Harvard Business Review explaining that acknowledgment of the best and the worst days are central… Continue reading The Power of Progress: One Year Later.
Survey: The Online Experience in the Deaf Community.
Happy creative, a marketing agency based in the UK, reveal that market research is a crucial part of any business. Although businesses may think they know who their target market is, after some research, they are often surprised – and pivot their strategy to match the data collected. Here are three benefits of conducting market… Continue reading Survey: The Online Experience in the Deaf Community.
Why interpreters should think and act like a brand.
BrandSimple is a book I highly recommend for any individual or company that would like to be recognised as a successful brand. Everyone is a brand – the key is to start thinking and acting like one. Allen P. Adamson – the author, explains how the best brands keep it simple, and as a result… Continue reading Why interpreters should think and act like a brand.