From a very young age, words fascinated me. Whether it was books, stories, punctuation or even fiendish grammar, I found joy in the details of language. As a child, I would imagine travelling to far-off lands, meeting new people, and crafting stories about them. Often, I would invent languages for these imagined characters to speak – a playful exercise that still excites me today. This early love for the power of communication planted the seeds of a lifelong journey with languages, one that has shaped not only my career but my understanding of the world.
The Spark That Lit the Flame
My first encounter with a foreign language came when I was eight years old. While exploring my parents’ bookshelf, I stumbled across a Spanish text book. The words seemed magical, exotic even, and I was instantly hooked. It was as if a whole new world had opened up to me, one where I could connect with people beyond the boundaries of my immediate surroundings. Not only did I enjoy learning Spanish, but I also discovered that I had a natural aptitude for it.
At secondary school, I was introduced to French and German, and my fascination with languages deepened. By then, I was convinced that my future lay in teaching languages. Over time, that vision expanded to include translating, interpreting, and other forms of language work. The joy I found in these pursuits was unparalleled, and, if such thing as a ‘calling’ exists, I knew I had found it.
Discovering the World Through Languages
Travel brought another dimension to my passion for languages. With each new country I visited, languages became intertwined with people, cultures, histories and ways of life. Speaking someone’s native language – even just a few words – could spark a smile, build a bridge, and break down barriers. For example, exchanging a few words with someone in Catalan or Polish always elicited warmth and appreciation.
Languages also challenged me to confront and rethink my own preconceptions. Learning Romani, for instance, allowed me to better understand the Roma community and their culture. It helped me dismantle preconceived ideas and offered me a lens to see the world in a more nuanced way. This ability to connect deeply and empathetically through language underscored for me the critical importance of cross-cultural communication.
The Start of a Career
My first professional language project came when I was just 18 years old. My father was working on a UK-Netherlands advertising campaign and needed a Dutch poster translated. It was a relatively simple task, but it opened my eyes to the potential of a career in languages. Later, during my final year of university, I had the opportunity to teach Portuguese to a future UK diplomat. Teaching a language I loved to someone preparing for international service felt like a dream come true.
After university, I joined the civil service, where I worked with a wide array of languages, including Albanian, Basque, Dutch, Farsi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish. Each language presented its own challenges and rewards, and each contributed to my growing expertise. One pivotal moment came when the government needed Albanian linguists during the 1990s. I was asked to teach Albanian, specifically the Gheg dialect spoken in Kosovo. This led to me writing a book on the subject and spending much of the late 1990s and early 2000s in Albania and Kosovo, interpreting and translating for governmental, military and community organisations.
Later, I established my own language services business, where I continued to interpret, translate, teach and advocate for the value of language learning. These experiences cemented my belief that languages are much more than another skill – they’re a gateway to understanding and connecting with the world.
A Polyglot’s Portfolio?
Today, I work with eight languages regularly: Albanian, Basque, Catalan, Dutch, Portuguese, Romani, Romanian and Spanish. I also occasionally work with languages like Farsi, Galician, Esperanto and Afrikaans. While some might call me a polyglot, I never set out to become one. My love for learning new languages is simply an extension of my curiosity about the world in general and its diverse cultures.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my language journey has been using Romani. After discovering my Roma ancestry through genealogical research, I immersed myself in the language. This has allowed me to interpret and translate for Roma communities and to advocate for Romani as a rich, living language deserving of recognition and respect.
Recognised for Service
One of the proudest moments of my career came when I was awarded an MBE for services to language in government. My work with Albanian – and my passion for all things Albanian – was a key part of this recognition. At the time, I naively answered the call to support the government during a period when Albania was frequently in the UK news. Looking back, I realise how important it is to highlight the impact of language professionals and the difference our work can make. This accolade reaffirmed for me that language work is not just valuable but essential.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Another aspect of my work involves promoting language learning in schools. Many students perceive languages as difficult or irrelevant to their future careers. I do my best to change that perception by showing them the diverse opportunities languages can unlock. Whether as a lawyer, engineer, musician, actor, diplomat or games developer, language skills can provide a competitive edge in countless fields.
To spark interest, I offer taster sessions in languages with unique writing systems or similarities to English. I always emphasise that you don’t need to be naturally “good at languages” to enjoy and benefit from them. It’s about the journey, not just the destination.
Championing the Profession
As a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL), I’ve seen first-hand how vital professional recognition is for language work. There’s a common misconception that languages are just a “nice-to-have” skill. In reality, they’re a cornerstone of global communication and understanding. Being part of the CIoL confers the professionalism and credibility that language work deserves, opening doors and elevating the field.
Looking to the Future
One of the most exciting aspects of working with languages is the unpredictability of where they might lead you. Looking ahead, I’d like to tackle a language vastly different from the ones I already know – perhaps Japanese or Thai. I’m also keen to revisit languages I’ve only “toyed” with, such as Georgian and Swahili. Whatever the future holds, I’m confident that my language journey will continue to be rewarding and full of surprises.
Final Thoughts
Languages have shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. They’ve taken me across continents, connected me with people from all walks of life, and deepened my understanding of humanity. For anyone wondering if learning a language is worth the effort, my answer is an unequivocal yes. Languages don’t just open doors – they reveal new worlds.
Where will your language journey take you? Wherever it is, I promise it will be worth the adventure.
Albaro Languages 