The Linguist

28 The Linguist Vol/63 No/4 ciol.org.uk/thelinguist FEATURES A life with languages In Pashto and English, Maaz Arabi MCIL explains how growing up in a refugee camp ignited his interest in languages and career as an interpreter formal education, I knew I wanted to work as an interpreter, using my skills to help people in critical moments. As a Pashto interpreter, I have worked on numerous assignments, from helping refugees navigate complex immigration processes to interpreting in legal and medical settings. I witness first hand how language can break down barriers and foster meaningful connections between people. What excites me most about my work is how I can transform confusion into clarity, especially in high-stakes situations. One of the most memorable experiences of my career was working with an asylum centre, where I was able to facilitate communication between aid workers and displaced families. Seeing the relief and gratitude on people's My deep connection with languages began in a refugee camp. I was only five years old when my family was forced to flee Afghanistan. Growing up as a refugee, surrounded by turmoil, I often met people from diverse backgrounds, each speaking different languages. This environment pushed me to learn Farsi, Urdu and eventually English. My passion for English emerged in the camp, where many educational courses sprang up, often led by Westerners or aid workers. Interacting with them ignited my interest in the language, and it soon became a powerful tool for me to navigate this new world. As my journey continued, I realised that my ability to understand multiple languages could serve a greater purpose. After pursuing faces, knowing they had been understood, has been a deeply fulfilling part of my work. In the coming years, one of my primary goals is to deepen my knowledge of English, as it is a vast and ever-evolving language. I believe that mastering English further will open up new opportunities in my career, allowing me to engage in more complex and diverse assignments. Additionally, I am working towards obtaining the prestigious Diploma in Translation. This will not only enhance my translation skills but also help me reach a higher standard of professional recognition. By achieving these goals, I hope to continue growing in my field and contributing more effectively to cross-cultural communication. ! # $ % & ' ' ' ( ) * + , # - . ) / 0 1 2 3 ! + 4 , 5 ( 1 6 % 7 3 8 9 : 8 ; 7 < = > ' ' ' ' % ) ? * ) @ ' ' ' ' ( A 7 6 B ' 3 8 C D - E 8 C ' 3 F ; * + ' , 8 % . G H / I J , G K ' L , M 7 ( N O ' % ! - P 3 / 0 > ' % ) ? ! 8 Q - / R 7 3 P % S 3 T % 1 U V R / - ! S Q - W X 7 3 F , 7 U ( 1 , R 8 ; # - G V 8 % R Y ! ! 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