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ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Council Member Rasha Alajouz gave a talk on linguists and mental health at The Language Show in November 2024. Here are some of the key points:

Mental Health Insights: How To Live A Solution-Focused Life

In the complex landscape of linguists’ mental health, perspective and languages play crucial roles in shaping our well-being. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is more than the absence of mental illness—it's a state of well-being that empowers us to navigate life's challenges, realize our potential, and contribute meaningfully to our community.

The Power of Perspective

Many linguists are under pressure. Translators are being impacted by MT and AI. Interpreters in many parts of the world are seeing rates decline – and the threat that AI may be used as a surrogate for high-quality human interpreting in some languages and some contexts. As linguists, our internal dialogue and focus can dramatically impact our mental state. Consider these transformative shifts:

• From problems to solutions: Instead of focusing on challenges, redirect energy towards finding constructive approaches and small steps to a better place.
• Strengths over weaknesses: Recognize and regularly reflect on your capabilities rather than your limitations.
• Control, not constraint: Focus more on what you can influence, rather than what lies beyond your control.

Fundamental Beliefs for ‘Mental Wellness’

I have found several core principles that have greatly helped me and those I have coached, and these can serve as guide on a mental health journey:

1. Self-acceptance: You are fundamentally okay, just as you are.
2. Inner resources: You already possess many of the tools and capabilities to achieve your goals.
3. Positive intention: Every behavior, even challenging ones, stems from a positive underlying driver, take time to explore emotions and what is driving you.
4. Embracing change: Recognize and acknowledge deeply that change is not just inevitable, but essential for your personal growth.

Emotional Intelligence: More Than Just ‘Feelings’

As one of my favourite writers Dr. Susan David says, "Emotions are data." This powerful perspective invites us to:

• Acknowledge emotions: Recognize and validate what you're feeling.
• Embrace the experience of emotions: Understand emotions as natural, informative signals – your emotions are always telling you something useful, even – and perhaps especially – when they are uncomfortable.
• Use emotions as guidance: Let your feelings provide insights, not dictate your entire narrative. If you feel them and explore what they are telling you, you can choose whether, and how much you want to go where they are telling you.Ìý Ìý

Communication and Understanding

Another writer I enjoy, Stephen R. Covey's wisdom rings true: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." True mental wellness involves:

• Practicing empathetic listening – both to yourself and others
• Approaching conversations with a solution-focused mindset – even when you are emotionally triggered
• Recognizing multiple perspectives ("That's one way to see it, and there is also another way to see it")

The Ultimate Work: Yourself

Remember, the most important work you'll ever undertake as a linguist, and as a person, is personal development. Self-compassion, continuous learning, and a growth mindset are your most valuable tools.

Mental health is a journey for linguists, not a destination. Adopting these listening and learning linguistic and psychological strategies can cultivate your resilience. Understanding and appreciating your situation and opportunities to change it will promote your ongoing well-being.

Embrace your journey, celebrate your growth, and be kind to yourself.

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You can see Rasha's slides from the Language Show hereÌýand hear her talk via the Language Show site .Ìý

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RashaÌýAlajouz, FCIL CL is a solution-focused mentor and coach. She isÌýa culture-bridging entrepreneur, a ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÌýFellow, Chartered Linguist, Member of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Council and aÌý.

For more seeÌýÌýor contact Rasha atÌýrajouz@rashaalajouz.com

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Views expressed onÌýÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ VoicesÌýare those of the writer and may not represent those of the wider membership or ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

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