Brand the Interpreter – Details, episodes & analysis

What does it truly mean to be an interpreter in the deepest sense? Is it merely transferring words between languages, or something far more profound?

Ryohei Onishi, returning guest and two-time TEDx speaker from Japan, takes us on a transformative journey through the evolution of his understanding of interpretation. Five years after his first talk on "de-verbalization," Ryohei's perspective has deepened into something more spiritual – what it means to truly become "the voice of others."

The catalyst for this shift came from three simple words spoken by a client: "Be my voice." This command fundamentally changed how Ryohei approached his craft, moving beyond technical skill to a deeper embodiment of the speaker's intentions, emotions, and essence. He shares the mysterious "sync" moments that occur between interpreters and speakers, when the boundaries between them seem to dissolve.

The conversation explores the profound silence required for genuine listening, with Ryohei noting poetically that "listen" contains the same letters as "silent." This active silence allows interpreters to fully receive another's message by quieting their own internal dialogue. We hear about the emotional weight of interpreting difficult content, like discussions of war, and the intentional "unplugging" required afterward.

Perhaps most fascinating is Ryohei's perspective on interpreting in the AI age. He observes that we've moved from a world with two options (interpretation available or not) to one where some form of translation is always available – the question now is whether to choose machine or human interpretation. Rather than competing with AI on speed, Ryohei chooses to emphasize his humanity: "I'm the pilot, not the passenger."

For anyone curious about what lies beyond words, beyond terminology, and beyond the technical aspects of communication, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the soul of interpretation. Join us to discover why, in Ryohei's words, "interpreting is not just the art of language, it's also the art of life."

Connect with Ryohei Onishi:

LinkedIn

Deverbalization - 1st TEDx talk

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Discover the remarkable journey of Ahmad Jaafil, who transformed his life after facing serious challenges, including significant vision loss. In this inspiring episode of Brand the Interpreter, we celebrate five years of storytelling, exploring how Ahmad's passion for language and determination to advocate for himself fueled his success in the interpreting profession. 

From an early age, Ahmad showed a deep interest in English, partly due to the influence of American television and video games. This unique pathway opened doors to understanding languages and connecting with people. However, his teenage years took a dramatic turn when unforeseen health issues began to impact his vision. Ahmed candidly shares his experiences navigating this life-altering reality, including the emotional toll it took and the determination it ignited within him.

Moreover, Ahmad's role as an interpreter for his parents during crucial medical visits not only enhanced his language skills but also broadened his perspective on the importance of communication. This episode highlights how Ahmed's early adversities taught him invaluable life lessons about resilience, inspiration, and the power of believing in oneself. 

Join us as we unpack his journey, perils, aspirations, and how each challenge inspired Ahmad to rise above expectations—both his own and those of others around him. As he embarks on his new role in the interpreting field, he provides insight and hope to listeners, helping them understand the importance of self-advocacy in overcoming personal and professional barriers. This episode serves as a powerful reminder: no matter the obstacles in your path, there’s a light waiting to shine through when you believe in yourself.

Engage with us and share your own stories of resilience. Subscribe, leave a review, and join the journey as we continue to explore the heart of interpreting through impactful conversations.

Only on the show that shares your stories about our profession: Brand the Interpreter! #BTI5years

Connect with Ahmad:

ahmad.jaafil@aplustranslationsllc.com

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Sponsored Episode

Ever wondered how a young girl from Uruguay could rise to become a leading figure in the U.S. interpreting and education world? Join us as Judy Cortés opens up about her captivating journey from her early days in Paysandú and Montevideo to the unexpected cultural shocks of Los Angeles. Judy recalls her family's vibrant international restaurant, her strict yet enriching education, and the linguistic skills she honed along the way—all of which set the stage for her remarkable career.

Discover the twists and turns of Judy's professional path, from working at the Defense Language Institute to teaching at the Modern Institute of Foreign Studies. Balancing her ambitions with family commitments, Judy transitioned into public school bilingual education, all while maintaining her credentials as a summer court interpreter. Her story is one of versatility and resilience, navigating diverse roles and making impactful contributions in each.

Judy also sheds light on the pressing need for interpreting services in schools, detailing her efforts to enhance language access for families. Listen as she discusses the development of bilingual assessments, her comprehensive guidebook for educational interpreters, and the crucial distinction between translation and interpretation. Plus, don’t miss out on Judy's insights from her book "Introduction to Educational Interpreting and Translation" and a special promo code for our listeners. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about languages, education, or both. 🤓

Get the guidebook today!
www.cultureandlanguage.net/products/ieit

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THESE EPISODE NOTES HAVE BEEN UPDATED TO REFLECT ACCURATE INFORMATION:
Mr. Magnolia was invited by the Translation Center of the University of Massachusetts Amherst to lead individual workshops in a series of multiple workshops with multiple instructors for versions of the UMASS Translation Center's Interpreter and Translator in Education Workshop Series. The UMass Translation Center team, which includes the faculty director, UMASS employees, and graduate students, has been involved with meetings, planning, communication, and more with individual school districts and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer the workshop series to several school districts. They have truly been instrumental in launching the UMASS Translation Center's workshop series across the state."  - Brand the Interpreter apologizes for the misstatement in the intro.

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Today's episode brings us Nicholas Magnolia, a trained interpreter working in public schools.  Nicholas joins us to share his experiences as a language professional in a K-12 public school district, the challenges he's faced, and the solutions he's presented, as well as his hope for the future of language professional in schools.

Tune in! Only on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast where I share your stories about our profession!

Episode Notes
Holyoke Public Schools Language Access Services
Create a T&I Unit in your School District

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Today, Dr. Sarabeth Berk joins the conversation to talk to us about hybridity in the workplace.
 
Dr. Sarabeth Berk is the leading expert in hybrid professional identity and joins us today for a quick recap on what we can do to, not only recognize our points of (genius) intersection, but also embrace what makes us unique.

You won't want to miss this special topic-episode on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast, where I share your stories about our profession (and sometimes bring in special topics too!).  Tune in!

Episode Notes:
Book
More Than My Title: The Power of Hybrid Professionals in a Workforce of Experts and
Generalists
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194402767X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
Social Media
Website: www.morethanmytitle.com
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZg6jaMIvIE
Facebook: @morethanmytitle, www.facebook.com/morethanmytitle
Twitter: @sarabethberk twitter.com/sarabethberk
Instagram: @morethanmytitle www.instagram.com/morethanmytitle/?hl=en
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarabethberk/
#morethanmytitle
#hybridprofessional

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Join today's interpreter conversation with Alex Chernenko, CEO of TRANSLIT, an Irish Language Solutions Provider, as we talk about the influence of the interpreter, creating opportunities during times of disruption and Life/Work Balance (in that order).

Tune in on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast where I share your stories about our profession!


EPISODE NOTES:
Alex Chernenko - LinkedIn
TRANSLIT - Website
TRANSLIT Interpreting Management Platform
TRANSLIT Remote Simultaneous Interpretation Platform
From Local to Global - Interpreting Insights


What was your takeaway? Remember to connect with me, I'd love to hear from you!
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Friday Q&A's are special episode dedicated to question submitted by listeners. Tune in to listen to this special episode of Friday Q&A's on Brand the Interpreter.

Submit your own questions to:
www.brandtheinterpreter.com

Sharing your stories about our profession!

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Today's episode brings us Marina Ilari, a language professional specializing in video game localization. Join this fun conversation as we talk about her two worlds colliding in order to create her present day experience.  Marina is not only a fellow language professional, she's also a fellow podcaster; co host of the Spanish podcast, En Pantuflas. Tune in!

Only on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast where I share your stories about our profession!

EPISODE NOTES
Marina Ilari - LinkedIn
Terra Translations - website
En Pantuflas Podcast -https://en-pantuflas.com/


Connect with me!
LinkedIn - Mireya Perez
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Website

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Habi Coulibaly is the founder and CEO of Elite Interpretation. She's an avid polyglot, enthusiastic, professional, and a dedicated interpreter.  She is a Core Certified Healthcare Interpreter ™ through the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters and a Certified Medical Interpreter with the National Board of Certified Medical Interpreters.  She studied simultaneous, consecutive, and escort interpretation at the Howard University Ralph J. Bunch Center for International Affairs.

She  holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Sciences in
Chemical Engineering from Howard University, has lived in 6 countries throughout her
lifetime and has worked in research for NASA and corporate management at Verizon Telecommunications.

Today, Habi shares her beautiful story of pursuing her dream of becoming an interpreter, something she knew she wanted since she was a young girl. Tune in and find out how her heart kept reminding her where she should be as opposed to where others thought she ought to be.

Only on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast where I tell your stories about our profession! Tune in.

Episode Notes
Habi Coulibaly - LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Website - Elite Interpretation


Let's Connect!
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Clubhouse @thebrandterp

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Today's  Brand the Interpreter Podcast guest is none other than Ewandro Magalhaes. Ewandro joins the list of incredible guests to share some insights, knowledge, and a drop of inspiration for our professional journeys. Join the conversation and dive into this exquisite conversation about Probability vs. Possibility, and, of course, to hear Ewandro's story.
 
Tune in on the Brand the Interpreter Podcast where I tell your stories about our profession!


Episode Notes
For more information on Ewandro, please visit his website at ewandro.com or that of KUDO at kudoway.com

Books Referenced:
Su Alteza, el Intérprete
The Language Game
Affiliate links to help support the podcast! Thank you!

Song Credit:  Laura & Anton - "La Vie En Rose"

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