Language should never be a barrier to accessing support, information, or essential services. As a Somali interpreter, Abdullahi helps bridge communication gaps every day, ensuring people can be heard and understood when it matters most. In this Interpreter Spotlight, he shares his experiences, insights, and passion for supporting meaningful conversations through language.
How long have you worked as an interpreter?
I have worked as an interpreter for 5 years now, mainly supporting people over the phone in situations where clear communication is very important.
What first motivated me to enter the profession was the feeling that language should never be a barrier when someone needs help, guidance, or access to a service.
How has the work changed since you started?
Since I started, the work has changed a lot. Interpreting has become faster, more digital, and more flexible. Many assignments are now handled through remote platforms, which means interpreters must be ready, focused, and able to adapt quickly to different situations, accents, and subjects.
Which languages do you interpret between?
I interpret mainly between Somali and English. I am familiar with standard Somali as well as regional expressions and variations used by Somali speakers from different communities, including people from East Africa and the wider diaspora.
How do you maintain fluency and accuracy across your languages?
To maintain fluency and accuracy, I keep using both languages daily. I listen carefully to how people naturally speak, read in both languages, and continue building my vocabulary in areas such as healthcare, housing, education, social services, and government support.
What is the best thing about being an interpreter?
Is knowing that your voice can help someone be heard at an important moment. Sometimes a person may have the right to support, care, or information, but without language access, they may feel invisible.
How does that positive aspect influence your day-to-day work?
This positive side of the job keeps me motivated and reminds me to treat every call with seriousness.
What does being an interpreter mean to you personally?
Being an interpreter means responsibility, trust, and service. Personally, I see it as more than just converting words from one language to another. It means helping people access information fairly and safely. It also means respecting confidentiality, staying neutral, and giving every speaker the same chance to be understood. For me, interpreting is a profession where humanity and skills meet. You must be accurate, but you must also be patient, calm, and respectful.
What has your experience been like working with thebigword?
My experience working with thebigword has been positive and valuable. As a freelance over-the-phone interpreter, I appreciate being able to support different people and services while working professionally and flexibly.
What personal qualities do you think make someone a great interpreter?
Strong listening skills, patience, confidentiality, impartiality, emotional control, and good memory. It is also important to be respectful and professional, even when the call is difficult or sensitive. I rely most on calmness and impartiality. Sometimes people are upset, emotional, or under pressure, but the interpreter must remain steady and accurate.
How do you continue developing these skills?
I continue developing these skills by learning from experience, reflecting after challenging calls, expanding my vocabulary, and reminding myself of the professional boundaries of the role.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering being an interpreter?
My advice would be, do not enter interpreting only because you speak two languages or you want pay cheque. Being bilingual is important, but interpreting also requires discipline, accuracy, ethics, and emotional strength. You must be ready to listen carefully, speak clearly, and remain neutral even when the subject is serious.
Are there any misconceptions people have about the job?
Some people think interpreting is just repeating words, but it is much deeper than that. You are carrying meaning between two people, often in real time, and mistakes can affect important decisions.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to interpreting?
I would say take your time to understand the role properly. Do not be afraid to ask for repetition or clarification during a call when needed. Accuracy is more important than guessing.
What early challenge do you remember facing, and how did you overcome it?
I remember is learning how to manage fast speakers. At first, it can feel difficult when someone speaks for too long without pausing. I overcame this by learning to politely manage the flow of conversation and by improving my note-taking and memory skills.
How important is language representation for those who want to access government support?
Its extremely important. Government services often deal with serious matters such as housing, health, benefits, immigration, education, and safeguarding. If someone cannot understand the information being given, they may miss deadlines, misunderstand their rights, or fail to explain their needs properly.
What improvements would you like to see in public services regarding language access?
I would like to see public services continue improving language access by booking qualified interpreters early, giving enough time for interpreted conversations, and understanding that interpretation is not a luxury. It is part of fair access.
Are there any ethical challenges you face in your role, and how do you handle them?
Yes, ethical challenges can happen. For example, a service user may sometimes ask the interpreter for personal advice, or a professional may ask for an opinion outside the interpreter’s role. In these situations, I remain neutral and explain that my role is to interpret what is said, not to advise or make decisions.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a day of interpreting?
I do step away from the phone, spend time quietly, and sometimes go for a walk or do light exercise. Interpreting requires high concentration, so after a busy day, I find it helpful to give my mind a break.
____________________________________________________________________________
If you’re multilingual and would like to to join our freelance network or learn more about linguist careers, contact our team here.
