For more than five years, Shireen Begum has been a voice bridging language gaps for people in some of life’s most important moments. As a Telugu and Urdu interpreter, she has worked everywhere from medical appointments to legal hearings. Here, Shireen opens up about her path into interpreting and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
What first motivated you to enter the profession?
For me, the first true motivation to become an interpreter began with a fascination for communication itself, how words can build bridges between people who might otherwise remain strangers. I realised early on that language is more than vocabulary and grammar; it carries identity, emotion, history, and worldview. The desire to help others understand one another became the foundation of my journey.
How has the work changed since you started?
The work has become more dynamic, technology driven, and specialised. While the core mission of bridging communication gaps remains the same, the tools, expectations, and scope of the profession have evolved significantly. These changes have made interpreting both more accessible and more demanding, requiring adaptability, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Are there particular dialects or regional variations you specialise in?
Yes, dialect and regional variation play a very important role in interpretation, especially with languages like Urdu and Telugu. For Urdu, I am most comfortable with standard Urdu (Rekhta/formal Urdu), which is commonly used in media, education, and official communication in countries like Pakistan and parts of India. For Telugu, I primarily work with standard/neutral Telugu, which is generally understood across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, I am also familiar with Telangana dialect.
Could you describe an experience in your career where you found your work particularly rewarding or fulfilling?
One of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had as an interpreter took place in a medical setting. I was assigned to interpret between English and Urdu for an elderly patient who had recently moved to the country. She spoke very little English and was visibly anxious during her hospital appointment. The doctor was explaining a serious health condition and outlining treatment options, but without interpretation, the patient would not have fully understood what was happening. At the beginning of the session, I could sense her fear and confusion. Medical terminology can be overwhelming even in one’s native language, so my responsibility was not just to translate words, but to ensure clarity while preserving the doctor’s exact meaning. I carefully conveyed each explanation in clear, culturally appropriate Urdu, making sure the tone remained calm and reassuring. As the conversation progressed, I noticed a visible change in her expression. She began asking questions confidently and engaging in the discussion about her treatment. By the end of the appointment, the patient expressed relief and gratitude because she finally understood her diagnosis and the next steps. The doctor also shared appreciation. Seeing the patient leave with confidence instead of confusion reminded me why I chose this profession.
What made that moment stand out to you?
That experience was deeply rewarding because it demonstrated the true impact of interpretation. I was not the one providing medical care, yet I played a crucial role in ensuring the patient received it effectively. Without clear communication, misunderstandings could have led to fear, non-compliance with treatment, or even health risks. What made the moment especially meaningful was realising that interpretation builds trust. It gives people a voice in situations where they might otherwise feel powerless.
What has your experience been like working with thebigword?
Working with thebigword has been an enriching experience that has allowed me to grow as a multilingual interpreter. I’ve had the opportunity to handle diverse assignments across different sectors, which has strengthened my ability to convey meaning clearly and accurately between languages.
Collaborating with a global network of language professionals has broadened my perspective, enhanced my skills, and reinforced my passion for facilitating communication and understanding across cultures. This experience has truly deepened my commitment to helping people connect through language.
How do you find using thebigword’s WordSynk platform?
WordSynk is incredibly helpful, allowing me to manage assignments efficiently. Logging in and out is much easier, managing assignments is smooth, and invoicing has become straightforward, making the overall workflow efficient and stress-free.
What personal qualities do you think make someone a great interpreter?
A great interpreter combines fluency and accuracy with cultural awareness, empathy, and professionalism. Strong listening skills, quick thinking, and patience allow them to convey meaning clearly in real time. Continuous learning and attention to detail ensure every interpretation is precise and reliable, helping people connect and understand across languages.
Which of these qualities do you rely on the most during difficult assignments?
During challenging assignments, I rely on focus, quick thinking, and patience to stay accurate and composed. Empathy and cultural awareness help me convey not just words, but intent, while strong memory ensures I capture every key detail. These qualities allow me to deliver precise and meaningful interpretations, even under pressure.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering being an interpreter?
For anyone considering a career as an interpreter, my advice would be to focus on developing not just language skills, but also cultural awareness, active listening, and quick thinking. Fluency in multiple languages is important, but interpreting is more than translating words, it’s about conveying meaning, tone, and intent accurately. I would also encourage gaining practical experience through volunteering, internships, or shadowing experienced interpreters to understand real-world challenges. Finally, patience, empathy, and continuous learning are essential; every assignment is an opportunity to improve, expand your knowledge, and make a meaningful impact by helping people connect and communicate.
What do you wish you had known before starting your career?
Before I started my career as an interpreter, I didn’t fully realise how much the job would challenge and inspire me. It’s not just about knowing Telugu, Urdu, and English, it’s about understanding people, navigating cultural nuances, and thinking quickly under pressure. Looking back, I also wish I had known how deeply rewarding it would feel to help someone feel truly heard and understood in moments that really matter.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to interpreting?
For anyone new to interpreting, I would say focus on more than just language skills. Work on listening carefully and thinking quickly. Take every opportunity to practice in real situations, learn specialised terminology, and observe experienced interpreters. Most importantly, be patient with yourself; interpreting is challenging, but each assignment is a chance to grow, build confidence, and make a meaningful difference by helping people communicate and feel understood.
How important is language representation for those who want to access government support?
Accurate language representation is essential for accessing government support. It ensures non-native speakers understand their rights, make informed decisions, and receive fair treatment, while also building trust and reducing misunderstandings in critical services.
What improvements would you like to see in public services regarding language access?
One key improvement I would like to see in public services is more consistent and accessible language support for non-native speakers. This includes timely access to qualified interpreters, culturally sensitive translation of forms and documents, and user-friendly digital platforms that support multiple languages. I would also encourage ongoing training for public service staff on working effectively with interpreters and understanding cultural nuances. These improvements would help ensure that everyone, regardless of language, can access services fairly, make informed decisions, and feel respected and included.
Can you provide any insight on challenges interpreters face in the current climate?
Interpreters today face high-pressure assignments, complex terminology, and the challenges of remote interpreting, including technical issues and limited non-verbal cues. Emotional stress and inconsistent can add to the demands. Despite this, interpreters remain essential in bridging language barriers and ensuring access, fairness, and clear communication.
Which of these challenges has personally affected your work the most?
The challenge that has impacted my work most is remote interpreting, where technical issues and limited non-verbal cues require extra focus and adaptability. High-pressure assignments with complex terminology are also demanding, but preparation and careful attention help me deliver accurate and culturally sensitive interpretations every time.
What do you think the industry needs to address these issues?
The interpreting industry can address current challenges by providing better technology, specialised training, and stronger organisational support. Clear communication, fair scheduling, and resources for managing stress help interpreters deliver accurate, culturally sensitive services while maintaining their well-being. Standardised best practices and professional recognition would further strengthen the profession.
What’s the most unusual place your job has taken you?
One of the most intense and unusual places my job has taken me was interpreting in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The environment was high-pressure and emotionally charged, with medical staff giving critical updates and a patient’s family needing clear explanations in their own language. Staying calm, accurate, and culturally sensitive was essential, and being able to help the family understand complex medical information in such a critical moment made the experience deeply meaningful.
Did it change your perspective on the variety of situations interpreters can find themselves in?
That ICU experience truly broadened my perspective on the variety of situations interpreters can find themselves in. It highlighted that interpretation is not limited to routine conversations or office settings, interpreters may be called upon in high-pressure, emotionally intense, or life-changing moments. It reinforced the need for adaptability, focus, and empathy, and reminded me that every assignment, no matter how unusual or challenging, plays a vital role in helping people communicate and feel understood.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a day of interpreting?
After a busy day of interpreting, my favourite way to unwind is by spending quality time with my family and children, which helps me relax and recharge. I also enjoy listening to stories and taking walks in nature, giving my mind a break while staying engaged with language. I also find peace after prayer and recitation of Quran – the holy Islamic book. These activities help me return to work refreshed, focused, and energised.
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