Interpreters play a vital role in ensuring effective communication across diverse cultures and contexts. At the Interpreter Summit in Leeds, we had the pleasure of interviewing Shekoufeh Tahmasebi Nejad, a freelance interpreter. She has a wealth of experience through her career of interpreting Farsi and now Dari. Today, we are proud to spotlight her passion and skills which exemplify what it means to connect people across languages and ensure everyone has a voice. Through her insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with interpreting.
How long have you worked as an interpreter?
It’s been over twenty years now. I’ve been working with thebigword since they were awarded the MOJ contract.
What languages do you interpret for?
I currently interpret Iranian Farsi, and after speaking with the Recruitment Team at the Interpreter Summit in Leeds, I’m going to be offered bookings in Dari.
To be approved for Dari, I had to show experience of working with Dari speakers over the years. It’s a language I’ve been exposed to frequently, so it felt like a natural next step in my interpreting work.
Could you describe an experience in your career where you found your work particularly rewarding or fulfilling?
I frequently interpret in legal settings, and there have been moments where I’ve truly seen the power of accurate interpreting.
One case stands out; the defendant was struggling to express himself emotionally and clearly due to the language barrier. As I interpreted his words, I made sure to convey not just the literal meaning but also the tone, emotion, and context behind them. I could sense that the jury began to understand his situation more fully. Afterward, the barrister personally thanked me for helping the court truly hear the defendant’s voice.
That moment reminded me that an interpreter’s role is not just linguistic. It’s about ensuring fairness, empathy, and understanding in situations that deeply affect people’s lives.
What is your favourite part of being an interpreter?
My favourite part is the feeling of being useful, knowing that I’m helping someone and, at the same time, helping the system to function fairly. When communication is clear, justice can be truly served. It’s very satisfying to know that my work helps all parties – whether a defendant, a witness, or a court official – reach a fair and correct outcome. That sense of contributing to something bigger than myself keeps me motivated every day.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to interpreting?
My biggest piece of advice is to work without judgment.
I’ve heard interpreters comment on cases and that’s absolutely not our place. Our job is to interpret; nothing more, nothing less. Always be honest, accurate, and loyal to the interpreting. Speak in the first person, as if you are the speaker’s voice.
Make the conversation flow naturally and maintain confidentiality at all times. Remember, especially in legal interpreting, these are real people’s lives, and your professionalism can make all the difference.
How important would you say proper language representation is for someone who is disabled?
It’s incredibly important, particularly for people with mental disabilities.
I’ve had cases where the person wasn’t able to fully understand what was being said to them. In one instance, I requested permission from the judge to rephrase the questions into simpler language. Once I did that, the individual was finally able to understand and respond.
In these situations, strict word-for-word interpreting isn’t always effective. You have to adapt, although carefully and always with the court’s consent, so that the person truly comprehends what’s happening. That’s real representation: making sure the person’s voice is heard and understood, not just literally translated.
How important is language representation for those who want to access government support?
Language access can change lives – literally!
I don’t work in this area as often anymore, but earlier in my career, I interpreted for people seeking housing or government assistance. Many of them simply didn’t know what support was available because of the language barrier.
I remember one man in particular who was destitute and hadn’t been able to take care of himself for months. He didn’t realise he was entitled to help. During our session, the housing officer and I helped arrange emergency accommodation. He told me, “You saved my life.” I said, “I’m just an interpreter,” but he insisted that without me, he wouldn’t have been understood or helped. That moment showed me how vital language access is for dignity and survival.
What do you do to stay current with terminology, especially in specialised sectors like legal interpreting?
I believe continuous learning is part of being a professional interpreter. I regularly read bilingual legal texts, follow updates from the Ministry of Justice, and study new terminology that comes up in legal reforms or case law. I also attend training sessions and webinars whenever possible.
Legal language evolves constantly, especially with immigration, asylum, and human rights legislation, so staying informed is crucial. I also maintain a personal glossary of terms that I update after complex cases. That helps me ensure consistency and accuracy across different assignments.
Can you walk us through your process for preparing to interpret a complex or emotionally challenging legal booking?
Preparation starts with mental readiness and research. If I have access to the case details, I familiarise myself with the context, the type of hearing, and any specific terminology that might arise. I prepare both linguistically and emotionally – for instance, if it’s a sensitive case involving trauma, I make sure I’m composed and ready to maintain professionalism.
During the session, I focus entirely on the communication and stay emotionally neutral, even if the situation is distressing. After difficult cases, I often take a short break or talk with a colleague to decompress, because interpreters also need to protect their emotional wellbeing to stay effective.
Can you provide any insight on challenges interpreters face in the current climate?
There are several challenges interpreters face today. One major issue is remote interpreting. While it increases access, it can also make communication more difficult, for example poor sound quality, unstable internet connections, and lack of visual cues all impact accuracy.
Another challenge is maintaining professional standards in a fast-changing market. There’s growing demand but also increased pressure on rates and working conditions, which can make it difficult for interpreters to sustain the level of quality they strive for.
Finally, there’s often a lack of public understanding about what interpreters actually do. We’re not “just translating words”, we’re facilitating communication that can determine someone’s future. Greater recognition of the interpreter’s role would go a long way toward improving both working conditions and service quality.
Final Thoughts
Interpreting isn’t just about language, it’s about empathy, fairness, and responsibility. Interpreters are the bridge that allows justice, compassion, and understanding to cross from one language to another.
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Thebigword and its network of expert linguists facilitate the translation of over 1 billion words per year, and interpretation of over 250 languages globally through the world’s 1st all in one language platform WordSynk. Would you like to support us in closing communication barriers whilst embarking on a rewarding and ever evolving role? Join our freelance network of interpreters here.
