Episode 19
Language, legacy, and the courage to act

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Alhan Rahimi, a translator, interpreter, author, and educator, who shares about her personal and professional journey across languages, cultures, and countries. Alhan shares how her passion for languages led her from translation into interpreting, higher education in England, and eventually into community-building through YouTube, courses, and children’s books.

She discusses the realities of interpreting work—especially the differences between consecutive and conference interpreting—and the isolation that can come with freelance language work. To address gaps in interpreter education (particularly Arabic–English), she began creating real-life interpreting content online and is now developing formal courses to support interpreters at different stages of their careers.

Beyond her professional life, the conversation explores multilingual parenting, cultural identity, and the emotional importance of language as a connection to ancestry, family, and heritage. Alhan reflects on raising children across cultures, preserving Persian language and culture, and navigating identity while living in Canada.

The episode also delves into mindset, risk-taking, and confidence. Alhan reflects on her academically driven upbringing, the impact of her parents’ trust, and a pivotal year where she pushed herself, leading to national academic recognition and a full scholarship. She connects these experiences to her current philosophy: when an idea appears, it’s worth acting on it, trusting that effort is never wasted.

Important Messages

Language is more than communication: Language is a bridge between generations, cultures, and identities. It’s important to maintain because losing a heritage language can mean losing deep family connections.

Gaps create opportunities: A lack of Arabic–English interpreting resources motivated Alhan to create real-world examples and educational content. Sharing imperfect, authentic practice helps learners more than polished theory alone.

Community reduces isolation: Freelance interpreters often work alone, and so Alhan has worked to develop community spaces that provide colleagues to continue their learning beyond formal education.

Effort builds confidence: Past experiences of doing hard things become internal proof that future challenges are manageable.Effort is never wasted, even when outcomes are unexpected.

Resources Mentioned

• learn more about Alhan Rahimi

• follow Alhan on YouTube

Alhan Rahimi (she/her)

Alhan Rahimi is a language professional with over twenty years of experience as a translator and more than ten years working specifically as a community & medical interpreter. She works across Persian, Arabic, and English and holds a Master’s degree in Translation. She is currently advancing toward conference interpreting, with a professional focus on clarity, ethics, and the human dimensions of communication in high-stakes environments.

Alongside her interpreting work, Alhan is a content creator and YouTuber, sharing reflections on language, communication, and learning. She is also a children’s book author who writes stories that support emotional literacy, identity, and values, drawing from her professional and personal experience to create meaningful content for children and families.