Izzat Waseem

English<>Urdu and Pakistani Punjabi Translator and Interpreter

“Language is the greatest way to approach people. In fact, it’s the basic one. Reaching out to people, communicating with them in their language—makes the strongest connections ever.”

Izzat Waseem is an Interpreter, Translator and an Urdu Language Trainer. Urdu is her first language. She was born and brought up in Pakistan and has been writing speeches, essays and stories in Urdu since her childhood. Izzat is an Urdu and a Punjabi Poet as well.

When asked what motivates her to be a part of Respond and how it has impacted her life, Izzat says, “I like the positive attitude of the Respond team the most. The way they appreciate and encourage me motivates me a lot. I love the positive atmosphere at Respond Crisis Translation. Working with Respond has boosted my confidence a lot. I’ve come to know my worth not only as a human being but also as a working woman. It’s been a great, positive impact on my life overall.”

She also shares, “I’m proud of my proficiency in the languages I work. I really don't have to think for a second even. My Urdu Language Skills are top-notch, and I’m proud of them. As far as working with Respond is concerned, I got my first-ever task in the USA as an Academic Translator and my first-ever task as an Immigration Interpreter, which I’m proud of. I’ve great interest and experience in both of these areas of work, and I am fluent and at ease in both of them as well.

Izzat is not working these days outside of her role at Respond. She tells us, “I’m unhealthy, fighting with severe PTSD. I’m a Cancer Survivor too. I survived the last stage of Cancer. I’m improving my health and looking for a suitable, flexible work opportunity. I really wish to stand on my own feet.” As for how she takes care of her mental health, Izzat says, “I love this work. My language skills have been great since childhood, so the work isn’t stressful. After completing a task, I take some rest. That’s how I take care of my mental health and ease.”

Izzat shares a little-known fact about the Urdu language, “One word in Urdu could mean something altogether different, depending on the situation or how it is used. To translate or interpret, we need to know the context and culture of the language.”

Izzat tells us about her favorite place to travel to: "My favorite places would be those with some historical background or which have improved a lot with time. Australia, UK, Germany, Dubai, UAE, Siri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Canada, Turkey—All of them. I’m not completely healthy these days. That’s why, I can’t travel but I LOVE TRAVELING. I came to the United States of America in 2018. In Pakistan, through my jobs, I’ve traveled a lot, and I loved it. Yes, I traveled to places where I didn’t know thelanguage, and I love to travel to and explore such new places.”

Izzat offers some advice for people who want to become a translator, “Read and learn about translation, interpretation, in the language/languages you wish to work. Don’t go for what you can learn on the internet only. You should know the delicacies and culture of the language you are working in. It would be advisable to take formal language classes up to an advanced level if the language you are going to work in is not your first.”

If Izzat could talk to politicians about why language access is so important, she would tell them, “Language is the greatest way to approach people. It’s the basic one. Reaching out to people and communicating with them in their language makes the strongest connections ever. Language barriers create misunderstandings which could be disastrous to an extreme level. Communicating in the language of those you work for makes your impact long-lasting. Media teams in all languages your area speak and Interpreters are important. Those mentioned above were for the Politicians. Here is a more general answer: In all fields of life, educational, medical, recreational, religious, and so on, language access has a vital role to play. You can understand the population better and serve their needs.”

Here are Izzat’s answers to some rapid-fire questions:

Can you share a fun or little-known fact about yourself?

When I work, I behave professionally and thoughtfully, while the moment the work ends, I turn into a less severe, more childlike person.

What’s one thing you’ve learned in the last year?

I’ve learned that God certainly makes ways, but sometimes we can’t see them at the moment. We pray, plan or struggle for them. As far as Translation is concerned–I have learned to Work on Google Sheets properly.

Are there any other “causes” close to your heart?

Yes, Social Work, especially for refugees and immigrants.

Who inspires you?

I can’t name one in particular, but all those who never give up in any circumstance and keep on pursuing their dreams consistently. The ones who are not only great achievers but also work to serve humanity in one way or another.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

I would choose Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for his wisdom in making the right choices at the right time. His practical approach towards life, and especially his CONSISTENCY in FOLLOW HIS DREAMS, WORKING TILL HIS LAST BREATH.

What is your favorite word in any language? Why?

ALHAMDOLILLAH! It means THANK GOD for everything. It is in Arabic, but we use it in Urdu to show gratitude in general.