The Linguist’s Story

Every month, we get to know a bit more about one of our linguists. This month, we introduce you to Kyung Hee Seo, an interpreter working in Korean.

Tell us about the work you do for TLS.

I have been working as an interpreter for The Language Shop since 2019, and it has been a wonderful experience to spend my time doing something I truly love. Being able to use my skills gives me a genuine sense of purpose.

I cannot believe that it has been 6 years now.

Now being interviewed for the newsletter is an immense privilege.

Looking back, from the timid person that I was, to now growing into someone that I had never imagined makes me want to keep reaching higher.

What’s been your favourite project at TLS?

The long sessions I had in Tooting St George’s hospital, interpreting for an hour and a half regularly for months for a refugee client, left an indelible mark on my perception of mental health treatment. It was then I realised the beauty of talking therapy.

What has been your biggest challenge?

I would say that initially maintaining the motivation to work independently, having the responsibility to improve linguistic skills, service users cancelling or not turning up, and irregularity of work times, are real challenges.

Tell us something interesting about you.

I volunteer my time to teach and help people improve their lives by becoming more spiritually aware. These services are provided through an organisation to which I devote a large part of my free time. I have also expanded my interests into therapeutic courses in recent years.

In my spare time, I listen to some Korean music, like Day6 and Woodz, and do exercises with it. I also give myself positive affirmations and mention at least five things to be grateful for each day.