Tag: #yellowowl

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Interpreting Skills Development

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 building block to becoming an interpreter. You need to have a very solid foundation in your first two languages; one of which should ideally be English and one of the South African languages or Sign Language. If you are looking to penetrate the international market, then learning an international language would be beneficial.

2) What does fluency mean?

Fluency means that you are able to sleep, eat, dream, and get angry in that language. It’s a language that you should be comfortable with in any scenario, whether it’s informal, on the streets, highly formal – you have to be able to accommodate any conversation in that language. You need at least two languages as a foundation; if you don’t have them fully developed you’re going to run into trouble

3) What skill do interpreters need?

The ability to speak properly is an important skill and having the confidence to go into an event not fully knowing what people are going to say. Immediately after you are expected to say the exact same thing in another language; making sure that the same feeling, intent, and meaning is conveyed.

Secondly, the ability to think on your feet very quickly is crucial. Interpreting is considered to be ‘serious under pressure voice acting’ because you have to follow what someone else said and act it out.

Another important skill an interpreter needs is a very good short term memory and remember what is being said; coupled with the ability to write things down and note taking.

4) What role does cultural awareness play when interpreting?

Some languages are mono-cultural while others are bi-cultural; and interpreters need to be well-versed in all of that. You need to know the behaviours, struggles, identity issues faced within the community. Interpreters are cultural brokers; it’s you responsibility to make sure that people of different cultures cross the barrier and communicate as if they are from the same culture.

By not being connected to the culture, you run the risk of not being fully culturally aware. The Deaf community needs to feel safe and comfortable with their SASL interpreter; that is less important when it comes to spoken languages because the people don’t really need to know you. This actually works in your favour because can have that sense of objectivity and neutrality: “I’m not here to help you, I’m not on your side. My job is to make sure you can with the other person as if you spoke the same language.

5) Do interpreters need mentors?

Developing your professional career comes with a lot of time and experience; whenever a new interpreters starts regardless of how well you may have trained or simulated – being in a real situation where what you say influences real people’s real lives, puts a completely different pressure on you. It’s okay to make mistakes.

My advice to interpreters in training is: Be honest with yourself and your clients. Tell them that you are still inexperienced and you are willing to do a job without getting paid or working with an experienced interpreter, who can catch up if something goes wrong and pick up the slack. You need to have someone who has been in the game for a while to help and mentor you because each situation is unique and that’s where you need the expertise of someone with experience to catch you when you fall.

Conclusion

One thing that I can say is that if you want to be an interpreter or any kind of language practitioner – go for it! Work is available and there are many opportunities. However, do it with commitment and responsibility because all language practice is centred around people. If not, then don’t do it. You will be doing a disservice to the people you work with and the profession.

THANK YOU Eugene for your time and valuable contribution.

Watch the full conversation here. Enjoy!

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Diversity Work place

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 perform in a role; instead it’s an opportunity for differently-abled individuals to learn skills, add value, and empower themselves in an integrated workplace environment towards a common goal.

I spoke to Ditebogo Sesana; a Deaf jeweller and a good friend of mine of nearly 10 years. We first met in Lenasia while he was learning about the industry, and I was his novice interpreter. Today he proudly works full-time in a reputable jewellery company, applying all the knowledge acquired over the years. His support and often brutal feedback has contributed to my successful journey as a professional interpreter.

1) Tell us more about yourself and what you do.

I’m from Pretoria, Soshanguve but currently live in Alexandra. I’m a triplet with my brothers and the only Deaf person in my family. My hobbies include playing soccer and spending time with friends. I work at Rare Earth Creations in Randburg; I create, polish and set different jewellry pieces. I’ve been employed here for 8 years and I’m the only Deaf person in the company.

2) How do you communicate with your Team?

We write everything on pen and paper. Our communication is work related and we only discuss instructions needed about jewellery pieces. My literacy skills enable me to understand what is expected of me and I also express any ideas, questions or concerns in writing if I need to.

3) Why is there no SASL interpreter at the workplace?

I’m the only Deaf person here at the company, so to have an interpreter just for one person is not viable. Unfortunately, management also doesn’t have the budget to employ an interpreter at the company. The written communication seems to work well for everyone and I’ve learned to adapt well to the working environment. The Team is satisfied with my performance.

4) Can Deaf and Hearing people work together in the same environment?

Absolutely! There is no difference between us because we can perform and complete the task – sometimes better than our hearing colleagues. What’s important is respect, a good attitude and willingness to learn about people from different backgrounds. Teamwork helps us to work together and focus on the task at hand.

5) Do you think more people with disability should be employed as jewellers?

Yes, we are equally skilled as anyone else. What matters is doing a good job and completing the task; people should learn to embrace differences and keep an open mind in the workplace – then it will be easy to build lasting relationships based on respect. For now, I am the only Deaf person working here – hopefully this changes.

Andrew Greenberg, founder of Contract Recruiter, explains some benefits of employing Deaf and HH employees:

Attention to detail

Jewellery making is very intricate; and it requires much attention to small details that affect the look and feel of the product. Deaf people usually have superior visual ability and hand-eye co ordination needed for handling delicate stones.

Loyalty

The barriers of employment are high for people living with disability due to inaccessible environments, lack of awareness from the employer, and sometimes misconceptions about the type of disability. As a result, when they do find suitable employment, they tend to stay longer because they value the opportunity given to them to earn a living and become independent.

A unique perspective into the workplace

From communication, accessibility, and even culture – people with disability are often vocal about recommending better ways of embracing diversity in the workplace. They challenge the Team to respect differences and overcome any false stereotypes about disability. This approach creates a colourful and vibrant workplace.

Conclusion

Diversity is an attitude we hold towards a certain idea or a group of people which reveals itself in the systems we create in spaces. When truly embraced, an incredible opportunity arises to empower everyone through knowledge and acceptance.

Ditebogo is a great example of how one can use their skills and passion to create a better life for themselves. Being Deaf has not stopped him from achieving his goals, instead it has inspired others to work hard and believe that anything is possible. I’m excited about his future success!

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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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Customer Experience Market Research Online survey

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 research they mention:

1. Not as Costly as You Think

Using online surveying tools or just asking your customers both provide great places to start in terms of keeping your costs down and they don’t have to take as long as you might think either.

We used Google Forms to develop and design our survey. It’s simple to use, you can customise the settings, and it’s free – the only cost is your time.

2. Reveals Opportunities

Research often reveals new areas or upcoming trends that have not yet been noticed. This is particularly important because if the business had not done the research, It is much better to be prepared for these instances and move quickly to benefit from first mover advantage.

3. Reducing Risks

By knowing who your target market is and what their expectations are; a business can reduce risk significantly because the data collected can help save money by not targeting inappropriate recipients. Most small businesses have limited resources so conducting research is effective and efficient for maximising time, money and resources.

Yellow Owl Survey: Background

The aim of the market research was to understand the online experience in the Deaf community; and explore their frustrations, barriers, opinions, and suggestions to improve. The data collected will be used to identify gaps in the digital market for content creators and brands; provide solutions in making online information more inclusive and accessible; while encouraging collaboration and innovation.

We conducted our online research between the 24th – 30th May 2021. The 60 respondents ranged from identifying themselves as culturally Deaf to being Hard-of-Hearing; and majority resided in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KZN. From the pool of 60 participants, 7 individuals were selected for in-depth video recorded interviews. These interviews were aimed at further engaging their responses from the survey and better understanding their personal online experiences. Topical themes were as follows:

  1. Background Information

53.3% of our respondents were male, 46.7% being female.

Age groups ranged from (16-25 years) 10%, (36 -45 years) 31.7%, and (26-35 years) 53.3%.

2. Online Platforms

95% of our respondents use WhatsApp; followed by Facebook 71.7%; and Instagram 56%.

Regarding internet connection, 58.3% use data to go online; followed by 35% having wifi connection at home; and only 6.7% using public wifi connections.

The content people enjoy online watching include entertainment 65%; followed by sports 43.3%; and educational programs came in at 41.7%.

3. What is a podcast?

Respondents were given an opportunity to provide short answers for this question. Majority did not know what a podcast is, while others came close – answers included: ‘Online information via voice’ ‘An episodic series of spoken word’ ‘Interviews and discussions online’ ‘Podcasts should be available in video chat’.

4. Barriers to online information

Expensive data costs came in at 58.3%; poor network connection was a barrier for 50% of participants; and lastly loadshedding affected 38.3% when using the internet.

Furthermore, having no interpreter for online content 78.3%; no subtitles 63.3%; and people speaking too fast 33.3% caused a challenge for users online.

5. Interpreters

Some suggestions were given on how interpreters could improve their skills online: 61.7% said SASL structure needed to improve and 58.3% said socialising in the Deaf community could help interpreters get better.

6. Pandemic

Lastly, the biggest challenge during the pandemic for most respondents was wearing a face mask – as this hid important speech and facial expression needed to convey meaning during communication. While 40% suffered unemployment during these uncertain times.

Conclusion

A good market research should never be underestimated; it could negatively affect your bottomline and customer base. On the upside; it helps a business create new products, establish a good reputation in the industry, and ultimately strategically position the business for future trends.

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Be Different Interpreting Unique Ability

How to discover your unique abilities

Dare to be different!

Discovering your unique abilities is one of the most liberating experiences. It never feels like hard work and exciting opportunities of making a positive impact in society keep unfolding. Through self-awareness and introspection of who I am as a person first; l am able to apply the same intrinsic truths across every area of my life – including my career.

Now, this is not to say that I am the only skilled interpreter around – in fact, there are better interpreters out there who’ve been doing this way longer. The point I’m trying to drive home is firstly; how to identify your unique traits within a saturated industry; then using the same qualities to help you stand out from the crowd.

Here are three tips on how to identify your often overlooked unique abilities.

1) Lifelong habits and behaviours

Look for and pay attention to preferences, habits, and behaviours that have consistently shown up since childhood. These affect your outlook on life and how you engage with the people around you.

I’ve always enjoyed smaller, more intimate groups because they feel personal and loyal. When I’m not alone processing my thoughts; I often find myself with one or two trusted people in my personal space, whether friends or family. 

Looking back, this guarded introverted approach has definitely influenced how I choose my interpreting projects and clients. Today, I offer exclusive interpreting services to three individual clients, who over the years have become trusted friends. Secondly, I prefer to collaborate with smaller, independent  organisations because that encourage full participation in the decision-making process.

2) It comes so naturally, it often doesn’t feel special

We have a tendency to take our unique abilities for granted because we’ve always done things this way; it no longer feels flashy or exciting. Maybe you can solve problems easily, you have an eye for intricate detail, you’re a natural leader, or you’re an entertaining storyteller.

These clues come up in areas where your execution is effortless for you, but somehow seems difficult for others doing the same task.

I have a good memory and I can retain large volumes of information mentally for a long time. Reading, research, decoding information, and having a vivid imagination come naturally to me. I enjoy engaging with content that enhances my cognitive stimulation. 

Whether it’s interpreting a keynote address, or a training session, or even ‘reading’ the emotions in a room; interpreters use both their left and right brain for language, judgement, visualisation and creativity. 

3) You show up as the hero

What things do other people always count on you for?

Are you punctual? Do you always keep your word and do what you say you’ll do? Perhaps you have a positive attitude that uplifts everyone else.
The ways that you positively impact people are the things they’ll consistently come to you for; it’s also how you show up as a hero in.

I am known for making things happen – people often delegate me a leadership role that requires planning, effective communication and assertiveness.

Having established your unique traits across different areas of your life; here are three more reasons why interpreters should dare to be different.

1) It’s noisy and everyone is shouting

Although the interpreting industry is fairly unknown to most; my observation is that the opportunities and platforms that do already exist follow traditional ways of communicating information created by somebody else. Whether it’s interpreting on settings such as TV, training or even social circles – everyone seems to blend in and follow what’s been done before.

2) You can’t be a distinguished leader by following others

I’ve always had a deep desire to be at the forefront of change; I always look around and ask myself ‘How can things be done better?’ Interpreting enables me to offer solutions to societal challenges that focus mainly on bridging communication, empowering people, and using technology to innovate exciting ways remove barriers.

Being an entrepreneur and exploring opportunities of collaboration through digital platforms is one way I intend to forge my own path and leave a long-lasting mark in the industry.

3) Great people make things happen – they don’t ask for permission

I honestly don’t think I’d be at this very moment in my life had I waited for someone or something to validate my purpose. My experiences so far have taught me that I am responsible for the way other people treat me – If I value, believe, and trust in myself, then like-minded people often show up in my life at the right time.

As an interpreter, I see many gaps that need to be filled in the way content and information is delivered. We have a long way to go! I have decided to be bold, take charge, and continue to align my daily actions to my bigger vision of driving positive change in our communities through creativity, collaboration, and mastery.

Conclusion

Decide who you want to be and what you want to be remembered for; and often those around adjust. Standing out from the crowd begins with acceptance of the mission laid out in front of you – something that only you can do. Once you discover your unique offering to the world; it’s easier to celebrate people’s successes because you understand there are plenty of opportunities for us all.

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Accreditation Career Interpreting Personal Development

To SATI, or not to SATI?

Stamp of Approval

Would you trust a doctor without a practicing licence to help you when feeling sick? Would you sit down and eat the food prepared by a restaurant that is not licenced? Absolutely not! My health and wellness are way too important both for me and my loved ones, to risk food poisoning or even worse – death. The same principle applies to practicing interpreters: as an individual or organisation; I would be very skeptical approaching an interpreter that has no accreditation for my important meeting, and ultimately risk miscommunication and a tarnished reputation.

Each industry has authority bodies that regulate practices and protect the interests of individuals, communities, and organisations. This is to ensure that work is done at a level that meets or exceeds expectations developed in that specific industry. For example, the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) is the statutory body in the medical industry that regulates professional services offered by health workers in South Africa. The CGCSA (Consumer Goods Council of South Africa) advocates for food safety and food waste best practices across the retail industry.

For us interpreters, this institute is SATI.

Who is SATI?

The South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) is a professional association for language practitioners in South Africa; ranging from translators, text editors, interpreters, lexicographers, proofreaders, and copywriters. A system of accreditation was introduced in 1990 aimed at improving the standing of language practitioners; maintain a high level of competence; and adherence to a strict code of ethics. The system began with translation and has since expanded into other related language services.

Failure is not final

In 2017, I failed my first attempt at getting accredited. I gave it my best shot and felt devastated to learn that I failed the exam. Honestly, the exam criteria is difficult – it tests all the skills needed for language practitioners to serve and thrive in a competitive industry. Furthermore; overcoming difficulty ensures a high standard of competence needed for real-life, often stressful working environments.

Fortunately, through determination and support; I re-applied in 2018 and passed the exam. There are currently only 12* SATI accredited SASL interpreters in South Africa; hopefully this number grows over time. (*Number updated accordingly).

3 Benefits of SATI membership

  1. Ensure best practice

Being a member of a recognised association helps individuals comply with ethical requirements of their industry and maintain a high quality service. As an interpreter; being a member of SATI helps me stay accountable to fellow interpreters who look up to me; I am responsible to conduct myself professionally and ethically at all times being fully aware how my decisions may impact generations to come – positively or negatively.

2. Peace of mind regarding competence

The most rewarding feeling I get when working with clients is the re-assurance of getting the job done, very well – I can deliver on the promise to always give my best. Displaying competence is a great way to build credibility, trust, and respect with clients, while giving them a peace of mind to focus on the task at hand.

3. Networking opportunities

SATI hosts regular webinars, workshops and training; and as a member I have access to this information because I am on their database system. I receive weekly emails circulating updates of job opportunities, news of other language practitioners, and connecting with fellow professionals. It’s a great way to network and learn from other related language industries.

Strict Regulations

There are some provisions made by SATI that individuals need to be aware before they become members and get accredited. Honestly, these factors have divided the interpreting industry; making it difficult to commit to membership and accreditation. These include lapsing of accreditation if membership fees are not paid; and the year long turn-around time to re-apply if deemed unsuccessful.

However, in the true spirit of SATI and its determination for maintaining excellence for all language practitioners; SASL interpreters looking to become accredited must show evidence of either a language qualification; 5 years experience supported by professional references; and at least 3 month membership.

Conclusion

Accreditation is a controversial topic in our industry – I’m pro accreditation. There’s a deep sense of pride, honour and integrity knowing that I’m dedicating my life to serve with excellence. My advice is go all the way! Invest in your professional interpreting career through training and skills development, mentorship, or accreditation; do whatever it takes.

Anything worthwhile won’t come easy – it’s hard work, consistency, and determination. When you know your why and understand how it fits into the bigger scheme of things; you will be motivated to keep going even when failure comes.

Categories
Digital Age Interpreting New Normal Pivot Transition

Staying relevant in a changing world

Why interpreters should embrace change

It’s hard to think of relevance when things are going well in our lives and businesses; we have systems in place and often know what to expect. This is usually the time when people and organisations slow down and take a break because they’ve established predictable processes that satisfy clients and yield financial return – it works. However, this controlled and sometimes relaxed approach has dire consequences for people who don’t see the need to evolve; leaving organisations at risk of becoming professionally obsolete.

Who Moved My Cheese by Dr Spencer Johnson is a good example. The book outlines key principles on why everyone should anticipate change in all areas of life; and what happens when we ignore the signs. It tells the story of four mice who live in a maze; and each mouse learns to respond to unexpected change in different ways. These are classic lessons not only limited to business but everyday decision making.

This book is my go-to reminder when I get too comfortable with my routine, work and surroundings. It’s my wake up call to smell the cheese when it’s getting old and start looking for new opportunities out there.

How should interpreters embrace change?

As an interpreter, I mostly use technology to access valuable information; and ultimately create exciting opportunities to offer my professional interpreting services where gaps are identified. This does not in any way undermine the trust, connection and re-assurance that human contact offers. However, it’s important to incorporate both face-to-face and virtual interaction to thrive in any industry.

During the past year; I started my own company Yellow Owl and now I work from home; I enjoy the freedom of controlling my time and choosing which clients to partner with. My social media awareness and online presence keeps growing daily; and I connect with like-minded people from all over the world.

None of this would be possible had I not made the bold decision to pivot my career, skills and creativity in favour of new online clients. I came across some useful tips that helped me change how I understood the interpreting industry and still remain relevant; here are 3:

3 Tips for adapting and staying relevant as interpreters

1) Leverage digital platforms

The internet, technology and social media has made it incredibly easier, cheaper and faster to set up a business or brand; build a loyal following; and offer your product or services to a specific target market. Not only does it break geographic barriers, but it opens up new channels of networking and distribution that previously did not exist.

My social media accounts include Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube – and now blogging, for personal and business use. Why? Firstly, to tell people a little bit more about who I am and what I’m about. I also showcase my products and services through my collaborations, created content, videos and posts. It’s important to be active on social media by commenting on other people’s posts, joining the conversation, and plugging into like-minded online communities.

What works for me is setting time aside intentionally to check my social media, even if it’s 20 minutes at a time. You never know who may be visiting or just stalking your page. The process is interesting and often time consuming – but definitely worthwhile for building online confidence and credibility.

2) Think why, not what

Be clear about why you do something, and not so much what you actually do. If you have a business, why does it exist? If you are an interpreter, why do you offer your services? Then use your what to achieve your why.

My deep intrinsic purpose (my why) is to inspire people to be and do more with their lives; to push boundaries when tackling problems; and to share my life story. The skills that I use (my what) to achieve my purpose (my why) include unique and strategic collaborations through interpreting; public speaking; and using digital tools like blogging to tell my story.

An analogy I like to use is a car travelling on the road. The road is my pre-destined path that I need to follow in order to fulfil my purpose in life. I believe I’m called to inspire, lead; and drive change wherever I am. This path is often long with many twists and bends. 

To travel along my chosen path, I need a car to get me from point A to B and eventually my destination. I chose interpreting as my professional career; I invest in my public speaking skills; and I engage with organisations and people who share similar values. This is what I do daily to keep the car moving along the journey of who I am called to be.

3) Follow trends in the industry

Please allow me to make a disclaimer for this point: The SASL interpreting industry is relatively small and unknown in comparison to other more established industries. Although we play a vital role in bridging communication across different settings; a lot still needs to be done to spread awareness, regulate and develop the profession within the communities we serve.

Most interpreters start their journey interpreting current affairs on TV; or interpreting training, meetings and workshops for both public and private sectors. Some may even interpret at corporate functions or educational institutions. I am fortunate to have gained experience across all these areas; I cut my teeth here and learned to master specific interpreting techniques and strategies.

Unfortunately, these traditional settings are often saturated with already existing service providers – making it difficult to stand out from the crowd and propose new ways of channeling content digitally. This observation frustrated me and eventually inspired me to forge my own path – I had hit the ceiling and I felt unchallenged. Today, I consider myself to be a pioneer and a trendsetter within the interpreting industry. Yellow Owl’s mission is to continue pushing boundaries by strategically collaborating with content creators, creatives and like-minded industry leaders.

Conclusion

Adapt to newer ways of doing business and living; hybrid forms of work and life in the same space will continue for some time. Listening to feedback and explore innovative ways to keep you relevant as an interpreter, and any other industry.