As linguists, the words we use when translating or interpreting have great impact, especially when vulnerable or marginalized people are the focus of our work. Is someone a “victim” or a “survivor”? When should we use labels and when should we describe actions instead? How do we ensure that our language work is accurate while respecting and reflecting the agency of the person at the center of our assignment?

Join Tarjimly and the Global Voices Lingua project for a one-hour virtual discussion on culturally sensitive translation, inclusive and trauma-informed language, and more.

Speakers and organizations

Dr. Hadeel Elsayed is a professional Arabic Medical Interpreter and Translator with a strong medical background, grounded in her medical studies. She has contributed her language skills to humanitarian efforts as a volunteer with Tarjimly Inc., helping refugees and displaced individuals access vital resources. Professionally, Dr. Hadeel has served as a remote medical interpreter with Propio Language Services and as a freelance medical translator for East Localize and various local translation offices. Her goal is to ensure clear, accurate, and compassionate communication in every interaction.

Tarjimly is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate humanitarian language barriers at a global scale, increasing the efficiency of humanitarian services and improving the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants.

Lucy Chinyeaka Iwuala is a dedicated language professional and community engagement strategist with expertise in language localization, digital content management, and multilingual project coordination. Her work bridges gender, linguistic and cultural gaps, ensuring inclusive and accessible communication for global audiences. She is a Wikimedian and Lingua translation manager for Igbo in the Global Voices Community.

Lingua works to bring down barriers to understanding through mission-driven translation. Global Voices stories feature people and experiences rarely seen in mainstream media, and our hundreds of volunteers translate them into dozens of languages.