Siti Shakirah Sayadi

Over the past five years, I have immersed myself in the dynamic and rewarding roles of a full-time English teacher and a dedicated freelancer specializing in Malay-English translation and transcription. This dual professional journey has not only honed my language skills but has also provided me with a multifaceted perspective on effective communication and language nuances.

As a full-time English teacher, I have had the privilege of shaping the linguistic abilities and cultural awareness of my students. In the classroom, I cultivated an environment that encouraged active participation, critical thinking, and creativity. Through carefully crafted lesson plans, I aimed to instill a passion for the English language while fostering an appreciation for diverse literary works. This role allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of education, as students progressed from basic language proficiency to articulate expression.

Simultaneously, my foray into the realm of freelancing as a Malay-English translator and transcriptionist expanded my expertise beyond the classroom. Working on a variety of projects, I seamlessly bridged the linguistic gap between Malay and English, ensuring accurate and culturally sensitive communication. Whether translating written content or transcribing spoken words, I embraced the responsibility of conveying messages with precision, maintaining the integrity of the original material while adapting it for the target audience.

Navigating the world of freelancing demanded adaptability, time management, and an acute attention to detail. Juggling multiple projects, I became adept at meeting tight deadlines without compromising the quality of my work. This experience not only enhanced my linguistic proficiency but also deepened my understanding of the cultural contexts embedded in language. It required me to be not just a translator or transcriber, but a cultural mediator, ensuring that the essence of the message transcended linguistic boundaries.

The combination of teaching and freelancing has been a symbiotic journey, with each role complementing and enhancing the other. The insights gained from teaching informed my translation and transcription work, enabling me to convey messages more effectively and comprehend the intricacies of language use. Conversely, the challenges and diversity encountered in my freelancing endeavors enriched my teaching methodology, allowing me to bring real-world applications and global perspectives into the classroom.

As I reflect on the past five years, I am proud of the strides I have made both as an educator and a language professional. This dual experience has not only shaped my professional identity but has also fueled my passion for facilitating effective communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Looking forward, I am eager to continue this enriching journey, leveraging my skills to inspire students and contribute to seamless cross-cultural communication in the global landscape.