"For the Love of Humanity": Using Languages for Good

In this episode, I'm presenting two interviews with women who are working to change people's lives through the power of language.

Madeline, Interpreter for Survivors of Torture and Trauma

Community Interpreter Madeline Vadkerty gives me an overview of what it is like to interpret for survivors of torture and trauma. This interview was an incredible chance to learn more about interpreting from her, and to hear why helping refugees and toture survivors get their stories heard matters so much.

The people Madeline works with were caught in situations that we take for granted in many other countries: running for political office, being a homosexual, or expressing different opinions to the mainstream.

She says got into her field "for the love of humanity", and shares what you need to know if interpreting intrigues you.

Marianne, Religious education teacher...turned teacher for refugees

When Germany accepted a large number of refugees back in 2015, many communities sprang into action. In this interview, I'm learning more from Marianne Manz, a school teacher who decided to put together a motivated group of volunteers to offer language classes in German.

Marianne works with a range of untrained language teachers - there are some pitfalls for sure and the group needed to find unusual techniques for teaching.

• The Community Interpreter
• Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma · Causes
• Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma PSA - YouTube
• Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutsch | Deutschunterricht für Flüchtlinge entwickeln
• Tips for teaching English to migrants and refugees in the UK | British Council
• Hominum International e.V. - Home
• Wycliffe Associates | Accelerating Bible Translation
• Home | Do-it.org volunteering made easy
• A Few Simple Ideas for New Language Learners — Greg Thomson's approach to self-directed language learning.
• Public Service and Volunteer Opportunities | USAGov
• Creative Language Learning Podcast Episode 43: Wikitongues — Language documentation and preservation charity Wikitongues, interviewed by Lindsay for our show