Tag: #lessonlearned

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Interpreting Skills Development Vocabulary

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 new words and expressions or will need to prepare for a new kind of assignment.

So, as interpreters, we need a way to work with our personal glossaries: organizing terminology, learning it, revising it, and sharing it with others. This is because people, language, communities and culture are constantly evolving.

A vocabulary or word bank is defined as a collection of new words or phrases that a person builds as they learn about different topics. Inspired by Russian Medical interpreter Yuliya Speroff; here are three practical techniques I still use today to build my vocabulary word bank.

1.Make Notes

I still have study notebooks, posters and files that I’ve collected several years dating back to 2016, filled with techniques, industry-specific jargon, and drawings. If digital notes work for you, go for it!

I remember when I started interpreting at a Lenasia jewellery centre in 2012; I had no knowledge of the industry, tools, and the SASL vocab needed to bridge communication for everyone. I created a poster with two columns (English words on the left with the equivalent SASL signs on the right); on a daily basis I added words, phrases and images of terms I struggled with; and asked the relevant people to help me, both the jewellery facilitator and the Deaf learners. With much practice and research, my confidence, skill and industry knowledge grew overtime.

Another example that comes to mind is watching and studying the news interpreters in the small box – pen and notebook ready! Every evening I listened carefully to the headlines, and watched how they signed certain words and phrases – it was very fast paced with lots of concentration. Fast forward a few years later, the same interpreters I looked up to became my mentors and also gave me opportunities to co-interpret several TV broadcasts with them!

2.Stay connected to your community

Language practitioners should be fluent in both their language choices and equally active in cultural communities – stay connected! People are central to who we serve and they are best way to get feedback. Do you need technical jargon? Do you want know what’s happening on the ground? Do you want to be a trusted service provider? Ask your community, they will know.

Commit to continuous skills development, training and mentoring. Become a member of a reputable language body, sign up to a monthly newsletter, or follow upcoming events on social media. This will keep you accountable and up-to-date with the latest trends.

3.Watch, Listen, Read.

Content is king. I often enjoy watching a variety of documentaries such as nature, crime and entertainment; and listening to podcasts about successful entrepreneurs provides insight to scaling a startup business. Reading motivational or self-help books builds character, confidence and resilience for difficult moments.

All this content uses different words, phrases and languages needed to build your vocabulary. Decide which themes are interesting and suitable for your client base then start practicing. Turning captions on while watching videos also creates a visual memory for spelling words correctly.

Conclusion

Interpreters are considered to be ‘walking dictionaries’ because we seem so knowledgeable about any given topic – well, now we know why! Building your word bank will take time, be patient and consistent. Figure out a creative system that works for you – use colour, images, music.

Lastly, share this information with fellow interpreters who may need support. Remember the ultimate goal is to empower more communities to access and enjoy information wherever they are.

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Career Celebration Reflections

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 and well, the opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. I honestly can’t complain.

As an entrepreneur, my leadership skills have been tested and stretched in every sense possible; today Yellow Owl is well on its way to establishing better systems, a loyal client base, and delivering more valuable services to our communities.

So many people and clients have contributed positively to Yellow Owl’s achievements – however, there are three specific entities I’d like to make special mention of: Lionesses of Africa, the New Generation and Signs & Stories: the silent podcast.

  1. Lionesses of Africa

I’ve been fortunate to being selected for two mentorship programs: The Cherie Blaire Foundation for Women Business Mentorship & the Sunlight Accelerator Program. I got introduced to my mentor Micheal Muchkin and learned from many inspirational business women sharing their stories.

The programs are intensive and require much commitment. Other than that, it’s a great opportunity to network, collaborate and get valuable advice from successful entrepreneurs.

2. New Generation Silver Award

We recently got award the New Generation Silver Award for our collaboration with Cliff Central.com’s Blind History podcast sponsored by Taylor Blinds and Shutters. This accolade is validation that what we do as Yellow Owl matters, a proven model which solves a problem in the online podcast industry. We found a niche in the market and are claiming that space!

I’m excited about reaching new frontiers in 2022!

3. Signs & Stories: the silent podcast

This project is very close to my heart, an absolute dream come true! Another first of its kind for both Yellow Owl, the Deaf community and the podcast industry – a visual podcast using SASL to capture the experiences, stories and shared values within the Deaf community.

Our first episode premiered on 18th November 2021 and the response has been overwhelmingly positive; a few things we can improve as a team, but overall it’s been a great learning curve and milestone towards empowerment and ensuring more inclusive content.

Conclusion

A big THANK YOU to everyone – family, friends, clients, mentors & creative collaborators for their support. Personally, I can definitely look back at 2021 and celebrate several small wins. As an entrepreneur, the desire to inspire people and drive positive change wherever possible, has only gotten more intense!

My message of Hope: Pay close attention to those whispers, in your heart, mind and surroundings. Embrace change & take a bold step each day towards showing up fully – here and now.

God Bless, Stay Safe.

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Mentorship Personal Development Purpose

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 what you say to the person could make or break their career.

“Thuli, how did you know you wanted to become a professional interpreter?” “What did you study?” “How many years did it take you?” “Please help me get my SATI accreditation, I’m ready.”

These are common questions I get asked often by budding interpreters who want to be just like me.

I recently read a blog by The University of the People about the importance of mentorship: The reasons to either become one or get one. There have been countless moments in my life where I leaned on a trusted friend, manager, or spiritual guide to help shape my future opportunities for the better in various areas of my life.

A mentor is someone you can develop a long-term relationship with that’s centered on growth and development in a specific area. They are soundboards, sages, and great listeners. As an entrepreneur, I am fortunate to have two significant mentors to offer guidance on my journey: Melanie Hawken, CEO of Lionesses of Africa and Michael Muckian from the Cherie Blair Foundation Women in Business Mentorship Program. Their patience, words of wisdom and objective perspective has given me the courage to continue along my journey boldly.

Here are three benefits of having a mentor:

  1. Broadens your professional network

Mentors are usually well-connected and liked by people in their industry. They can introduce you to decision-makers who can open doors, bring more exposure your business, and drive potential customers to your products or services.

The past few months of building relationships with Melanie and Micheal has given me access to exclusive accelerator programs, financial advice, and some media coverage on social media. Each encounter builds my confidence and clears the path for me grow from strength to strength.

2. Learning from their experience

Mistakes will always happen, but the good thing about having a mentor is that you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes they made in the past. This will save you time and resources, while allowing you to advance on projects that will bring in profit.

A common mistake that both my mentors recalled was trying to do everything on their own with delegation or asking for help. They emphasize that team work is the best and fastest way to achieve a big goal – I just can’t do it alone. Sure, it will require an element of trust, support and patience; empowering others should be the end in mind.

3. Doesn’t cost much money

Mentors are a priceless asset that offer their golden nuggets of knowledge for free; of course the price you pay is commitment, time, and perseverance which in the end are worth it.

My personal motto is “Ask for time, not money”. I’ve learned that people are usually busy and don’t have enough time on their hands; so when my mentors avail themselves I make sure to keep my diary open and always show up. It’s time we can’t get back – so I honour my commitment to meet with them. This builds trust and shows that I respect the sacrifices they’ve made to invest in me.

On the flip side; I too have transferred my skills and knowledge to others personally and professionally. I’m currently mentoring an interpreter with great potential: she wants to get accredited, learn more entrepreneurship, and build her reputation within the industry.

It takes commitment, patience, honesty and clear goal-setting, all over a period of time.

Here are some lessons I’ve learned about being a mentor:

  1. It validates my knowledge

This is an opportunity to share my knowledge, experience and tips about the interpreting industry, entrepreneurship, or life skills. Paying it forward is important to me because I acknowledge that my success is credited to other people who believed in me and took a chance on me .

I often recommend which courses to study in order to fast-track their career and skill set; I listen as they express their dreams, goals and struggles; and share practical information like links, videos, blogs to research and explore.

2. Sense of purpose and vision

When I realised my ‘Why?’ it changed everything. I became more intentional about who I spent time with and what I focused my attention on – every moment is so precious.

I want my mentees to discover their own passions and go for their dreams. I want to inspire them by being a role model to them; showing them the possibilities of believing in yourself; and that hard work really does pay off. Although it’s not always easy, having a clear vision fuels my passion when I feel like giving up. I have something to go back to as a reminder of why I started in the first place.

3. Develops leadership and communication skills

Mentors are leaders. They are responsible for steering another person’s dream of becoming more in life; they often need to initiate conversations and ask tough questions that may cause discomfort.

Having good communication skills requires self-awareness. When I acknowledge my own thoughts and emotions, it becomes easier to emapthise with someone else who may be struggling with a certain area in their life.

Lastly, as a leader and mentor it’s important to lead by example. My actions are constantly scrutinised by others to ensure I so what I say; this is so important for building trust with mentees and stay accountable.

Conclusion

The relationship between a mentor and mentee has to be genuine – it shouldn’t be forced or else it will eventually become too technical. Honestly, there is a special connection between the two of you; when this crucial first step is done right, the relationship grows into a beautiful friendship based on trust, vulnerability, support and great fulfillment.

Help others get what they need and I promise you – opportunities and blessings will return to you in astounding ways, at the perfect time. Remember to pay it forward and play your part in contributing positively to the community around you.

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Anniversary Celebration One Year Later Small Wins

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 to innovation in any creative environment. Emotions run high when things go according to plan: excitement, joy, happiness, satisfaction and validation. But the same is true when we hit a dead end: self-doubt, frustration, darkness, worry and temptation to quit. It’s all part of the journey.

The progress principle highlights that true motivation lies in ordinary everyday wins – we should try and find at least one thing to celebrate, an achievement, a victory lap, a tick on the to-do list. Some of Yellow Owl’s greatest moments over the passed year include taking the bold step to register the business and putting ourselves out there, particularly online for everyone to see.

Another proud moment has been collaborating and pioneering with leading brands, organisations and content creators like CliffCentral.com, Mav Inc., The Mayors Office & Lionesses of Africa to make valuable information more inclusive using SASL interpreting. There’s so much to be grateful for!

Equally discouraging has been the rejection from incredible digital platforms who unfortunately can’t see possibility beyond their own fears and rigid business model. Nothing happens over night, and patience is one painful trait that gets better with time – just wait, it will come. Sometimes failure and setbacks are not always a true reflection of the value we offer – sometimes it’s other people who don’t understand the bigger vision, they just don’t get it.

Some helpful tips to keep you going when the going gets tough: surround yourself with supportive, accountable and positive people. Secondly, remember your WHY – very important when it feels like you are losing direction. Lastly, create practical deadlines and timelines to keep track of progress made.

THANK YOU to everyone who believed and continues to invest in the vision of Yellow Owl. Here’s to more extraordinary interpreted stories, pioneering, and collaborations. Onwards and upwards!

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Career Interpreting Personal Development Purpose

Am I really cut out to be an interpreter?

Finding your Purpose

It starts here. Finding your why. It was around 2014 when I decided I wanted to interpret full-time. I had several career options to choose from: either build on my psychology foundation; explore the education sector; or stick with interpreting and develop my skills.

You see, my type-A personality leaves little room for spontaneity: I’m results-driven; I’m obsessed with structure; and I’m a high achiever. So when I chose interpreting as a professional career, I had to go all the way! I was ready for whatever sacrifice and hard work it took to build an established career; whether it was studying further, accreditation, or practicing over and over again. Basically, I wanted to be the best! I wanted (and still do) want to be recognised among the top interpreters in the country.

Helpful questions to ask yourself

If you are already an interpreter, or considering a career as one; it is crucial to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself these helpful questions:

  • Do I want to do this everyday without getting bored?
  • Beyond the money, am I passionate about interpreting?
  • Is interpreting easy for me? Do I have a natural ability that can be developed further with intensive practice?
  • 5 -10 years down the line, what will I be remembered for as an interpreter?
  • Can I contribute something new and valuable to the industry?

Pay attention to feedback

Last year I left my full-time job as an interpreter to start my own company Yellow Owl. I can’t say I had all the answers, all I knew was that something just wasn’t right anymore. I was restless; I woke up feeling exhausted; and I had a very strong sense that something was calling and pulling me to be more than what I experienced around me – it was time.

Yes, I felt misunderstood; and I kept to myself. I even started second guessing my thoughts, desires and ambitions of wanting more from life. ‘Was I crazy?’ It felt like the world around me was black and white – I was the only one living in colour. 

3 Tips for finding your purpose

Psychotherapist Amy Morin offers several useful tips on how to find your purpose. I will expand on 3 tips that resonate with me.

1) Explore your interests

What do you enjoy doing and talking about without much effort? A good indicator is what you choose to spend most of your time doing and always make time for, no matter what – is it art, being outdoors, catering, or writing?

I have a natural ability to lead and my personality compliments public speaking. I want to inspire people and drive positive change in my community. So I always find unique ways to incorporate my interests into interpreting.

2) What overlooked social injustice frustrate you?

There’s so much more that can be done through interpreting; just by taking time to really understand one’s role in the whole communication and information sharing process. I love consuming a variety of stimulating content – whether it’s podcasts, videos, music or written text. I often take for granted the freedom I have to simply switch platforms and choose something more engaging anytime.

One of the roles of an interpreter is to remove barriers to information access – information in all forms. Unfortunately, Deaf people don’t always have the luxury to enjoy, choose or experience audio content at it best. This is a huge responsibility; but it also makes interpreting fun and exciting – identifying a gap in the market and solving the problem creatively and collectively! This injustice inspires my business model of making digital content more inclusive and accessible through SASL interpreting. Become the solution to persistent, ignored problems in society.

3) Choose your company carefully

Positive people will inspire and challenge you to also start being optimistic, it’s contagious! We all encounter problems in life; however, only you are responsible for how you respond to difficult people and circumstances that come your way.

I often spend time alone working or processing some thoughts; but I am very careful who I allow into my personal space and the energy people bring. This conscious tough decision helps me stay focused and level-minded.

Conclusion

Ultimately, we all have different paths to walk – I’m fortunate to have discovered my purpose early on in life; coupled with my interests and personality traits. This makes it possible for me to excel as a professional interpreter who collaborates with like-minded people; use my voice to solve overlooked, persistent problems creatively – and still have fun while doing it!

When I stopped comparing myself to other fellow interpreters and people in general; I began discovering my own unique skills that set me apart from everybody – built on a strong purpose-driven foundation.

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Interpreting Welcome

Welcome, Insider.

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 my insights, experiences, tips and my own personal take on things about what the future of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting looks like.

This blog is a reflection of the bold decisions I made about a year ago that led me to this point. It is a collection of the lessons learned along my journey.

Enjoy!