Yasir Mojadidi

Translator Afghan Languages Team

“Language justice is an evolving framework based on the notion of respecting every individual’s fundamental language rights to be able to communicate, understand, and be understood in the language in which they prefer and feel powerful.”

I was born In Afghanistan during some of the worst times in the country, I migrated to Pakistan at a very young age. Spending some of my youth years there allowed me to get a better education and learn languages that I normally wouldn’t have such as (Urdu, English). I have an undergraduate degree in economics and I love Interpreting. This allows me to help people. I love spending time with my family, learning new skills and volunteering with organizations that help refugees and Immigrants.

What do you do professionally/ what is your professional title (when you’re not volunteering with Respond)?

Business Management, and I am a medical and legal interpret/Translator for Pashto and Dari Languages.

What language(s) do you translate?

I translate both Dari and Pashto Languages.

What’s something about the language(s) you translate that people wouldn’t necessarily know?

I translate and convert the birth details, Afghan calendar to Gregorian calendar, and generally idioms used in Dari and Pashto which are uncommon to most people.

What motivates you to be a part of Respond? What do you like the most about being on the Respond team?

Respond Crisis is an amazing team. They take people by the hand, and help everyone in the community who are in need, especially the refugees. It’s my pleasure and pride to be a part of this wonderful family.

For me who has specializes languages, Respond Crisis supports us to help refugees and asylum seekers with language barriers, so their voices can be spread to the world.

How do you care for your mental health? What part of this work is the most challenging for your mental health?

I keep myself busy and active. I take a break between my works and get some stretches done. I go out for a long walk with my other half. 

Can you describe the impact this work has had on your life?

This worked had a lot of impact on me. For instance, I learned how to assist people. How to give those in need, a hand. I learned that in this world there are a lot of humans that they need our support in different paths and states. We can help them with little things to put a smile on their faces.

Language justice and democracy is one of our core beliefs at Respond. How would you define language justice in your own words?

Language justice is an evolving framework based on the notion of respecting every individual’s fundamental language rights to be able to communicate, understand, and be understood in the language in which they prefer and feel powerful.

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

I love eating Junk food, and I don’t feel guilty about it.

Favorite word in any language? Why?!

“YALLAHH” Of course - Arabic that means, let’s go.