Daniel: Freelance Linguist Leading with Arabic
Professionals across industries and skill levels are sharing the value of language learning
Meet Daniel—a Freelance Linguist who has built a translation career across industries, from food & beverage to films, law, healthcare, and more!
My ability to analyze English and Arabic within different social, cultural, and political contexts has allowed me to build bridges between language communities in a variety of fields.
Languages: Arabic
Grew Up In: Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin
Degrees Held:
- BA in Anthropology and Arabic (University of Wisconsin–Madison)
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction (University of Wisconsin–Madison), MA in Translation and Interpreting Studies (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee)
How have your language and cultural skills supported and/or enhanced your professional opportunities?
As a linguist, crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries is at the heart of everything I do. My ability to analyze English and Arabic within different social, cultural, and political contexts has allowed me to build bridges between language communities in a variety of fields. These skills have led to some very fruitful work within the food and beverage industry as I translate recipes, blog posts, and marketing campaigns. I also work on popular films for major streaming companies, using my knowledge of language and culture to maintain the right cinematic tone while translating subtitles for comedies and dramas. My translation career has involved working in many other sectors including education, law, and healthcare, but my work with food and film have been the most fulfilling.
Even before working as a translator, Arabic enriched every academic and professional opportunity in my career. Throughout my undergraduate degree, my knowledge of Arabic allowed me to access different content, frame ideas in a new light, and build relationships with Arabic speaking communities. My ability to build rapport and relationships based on mutual exchange opened doors for me while working alongside refugee populations in the U.S. and abroad. Realizing a passion for working in intercultural and inter-linguistic spaces, I decided to pursue an MA in translation and interpreting studies. My Arabic skills allowed me to obtain a position teaching Arabic at the university level while completing my degree and I have been balancing my role as a translator and teacher ever since.
What advice would you share with current language learners or those considering studying a language?
My advice would be to find a community of people who are excited to speak with you in your language of study as soon as possible. Language and culture are things that people share. They simply cannot exist without other people to communicate with. Language helps you connect with others as you exchange stories, lived experiences, and ideas. Even when reading or studying alone, you are participating in a shared social world.
Always remember that your language is meant to help you create meaning alongside others. The sooner you can start living in a social world through your new language, the sooner you will be able to create meaningful lived experiences through that language.
It’s often said that English is the language of global business, and because of that, language skills aren’t necessary to succeed. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
English is undoubtedly beneficial for global business. Fortunately for linguists, however, global business is not the only thing that humans need. People need art, entertainment, healthcare, education, legal services, and so much more. Being able to access these things in multiple languages is an incredibly valuable skill.
Multilingualism can help you build cultural bridges, create relationships, and participate in global communities. One’s ability to navigate cultural and linguistic nuances in relationships can be tremendously helpful for business—sure—but it can also open doors to other essential resources and shared human experiences.
Check out our Connect with Arabic page—or explore another language of your choosing—for information about university programs, scholarship opportunities, testimonials, and more! Then tell us how you put your language skills to work @LangConnectsFdn on social media.
Know a multilingual professional who's using language skills in their work or career? Refer them to us for consideration in an upcoming Professional Profile.