By Paul Rizo

As a multilingual person, one can make a huge impact as a citizen journalist in society. Knowing multiple languages gives one a greater view on a situation based on the way things are expressed in different languages, which aids in explaining something more succinctly and in totality. Moreover, being multilingual also gives one cultural knowledge which is helpful when sharing the news because one can connect to the demographic on a personal level. That person can explain to their audience using historical events or cultural traditions that relate to the listeners which in turn helps them digest the information better. Furthermore, because it is one person translating into these different languages, the style will be the same for the most part. The phrases and specific word substitutions will be the same throughout so there won’t be much confusion. Journalism and multilinguistic ability go hand in hand very well. One can travel to various places to report the news to multiple populations and simultaneously enhance their language knowledge of all the languages they speak as well as their cultural knowledge and world view both from the outsider and insider of the situation. In turn, the citizen journalist becomes more passionate about the work they do as it becomes almost like a duty and that person will aim for better linguistic ability in sharing the experience they had as well as getting to the truth without much bias.

For example, when I learned Arabic and started to think in Arabic it helped me understand the Arab culture and people much more easily because I was sharing the same thought process as them and now I could connect with them on a personal level. A citizen journalist can do the same but to a much broader audience and with a greater understanding. They can explain why certain things happen in certain areas and get deeper into the psyche of the culture they are in and bring it to people who may think they’re so different. This will create a greater homogony among diverse groups of people while keeping their century-old traditions alive. It is difficult to understand someone when you haven’t walked in their shoes. Language is inevitably tied to culture and when you can speak someone’s language you get a glimpse into their culture and their daily lives and the problems they face, which gives you a greater point of view on the world around you. A greater perception of what really matters and who or what your true enemies are. In conclusion, citizen journalists who are multilingual can absolutely make a difference in society.

Writer Paul Rizo is a Spanish Language and Translation Intern at Modlingua, India's No1. certified translation and Language service providers based in New Delhi

Video Links on Citizen Journalism http://www.modlingua.com/videos.html