Have you ever wondered how a child growing up in Tehran, Iran, speaking Armenian and Farsi, could end up as a well-rounded interpreter in the United States? Well, that’s exactly the fascinating journey our guest, Hemi Pariyani has taken. She started off leading a group of dancers and singers at a summer concert in Iran, and dreamt of becoming a connector and mediator in the world. Her childhood experiences and aspirations, coupled with wide-ranging professional roles—ranging from a British civil engineering company to customer service and leadership roles—have shaped her into an interpreter extraordinaire.

Interpreting isn’t just about language—it’s about culture, nuance, context, and often, advocacy. Hemi Pariyani gives us a deep dive into the intricacies of interpreting for both educated and uneducated speakers of Armenian and Farsi. She shares how she often found herself advocating for her clients, like ensuring a pregnant woman received proper nutrition, and how interpreters must adapt their language and accent to accommodate cultural and geographical variations. Not to mention, the transition from working in a British civil engineering company to freelancing as an interpreter in Oregon, and the unique challenges that came with it.

And if you've ever considered a career in interpreting, Hemi Pariyani’s insights are invaluable. She reveals how liking people is key to success in the field and guides us through practical steps to break into the profession—signing up with agencies, attending webinars, the importance of certification, and more. She even invites listeners to connect with her for potential collaborations. So let’s get ready to embark on a journey across continents, cultures, and languages, with the remarkable Hemi Pariyani as our guide.

Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession. Brand the Interpreter!

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Connect with Hemi Pariyani
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Episode Mentioned:
Indigenous Interpreting with Eulogio Espinoza
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👉 Orange County Department of Education 7th Annual Interpreters and Translators Conference - September 29th and 30th - at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, California

Conference registration site link: https://link.ocde.us/ITC2023

Join them this Fall at the 2023 Interpreters and Translators Conference to continue your professional learning and networking! Registration is now open!

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Connect with Mireya Pérez, Host
www.brandtheinterpreter.com
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