Imulok Marcus
With the help of social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and others, it is getting easier to write any content wherever especially for an aspiring citizen journalist. More common citizens are voicing out their voices through the use of devices and social media. Their voices are important as to produce more authentic stories. They should be given equal opportunities as the professional journalists to share their stories.
Communication is important in citizen journalism. Being able to communicate clearly to deliver story to the audience is vital. Thus, mulitlinguist play important roles because of their capabilities in using several languages. Multilinguists are also more open-minded and able to view different perspective because they experience different cultures through the use of multiple languages. The ability to think critically is better since they need to consider the differing opinion which is similar to be able to see the differences between their native language and their second language. They will be able to interpret the story better according to the context – time, place or intention. They can communicate easily with the locals to write a more authentic story.
As a multilinguist, it is an advantage for me to participate in the citizen journalism field. The ability to converse and to write in 3 different languages helps to empower me to reach out more people to write better stories. I can reach a wider audience through the convenience of changing languages. Language barrier will not be a problem especially when interviewing the locals or representing them to a more mainstream media. I can also look at the different perspectives that are available on any pressing issues. Seeing the other person’s point of view helps to write a story better. In addition, I can choose language that can reach the local audience much better. For example, I can interview people in their local language, Malay and write the story in English.
Living in Malaysia, a rich multicultural country, the environment is stimulating for someone like me who is a multilinguist. There are certain words are convoluted that only a local can understand the meaning. Hence, a multilinguist plays a big role to interpret these words properly. A direct interaction without waiting for an interpreter will save time and even save lives. Being a multilinguist, I appreciate the clarity to avoid misunderstanding. The life experience that I have gained from practising two or more languages helps me to convey message clearly. I believe that words are important and it should not be taken lightly. Hence as a multilinguist, I feel that I can make a difference in my society through citizen journalism by using multiple languages effectively.
As a multilinguist, it is an advantage for me to participate in the citizen journalism field. The ability to converse and to write in 3 different languages helps to empower me to reach out more people to write better stories. I can reach a wider audience through the convenience of changing languages. Language barrier will not be a problem especially when interviewing the locals or representing them to a more mainstream media. I can also look at the different perspectives that are available on any pressing issues. Seeing the other person’s point of view helps to write a story better. In addition, I can choose language that can reach the local audience much better. For example, I can interview people in their local language, Malay and write the story in English.
Living in Malaysia, a rich multicultural country, the environment is stimulating for someone like me who is a multilinguist. There are certain words are convoluted that only a local can understand the meaning. Hence, a multilinguist plays a big role to interpret these words properly. A direct interaction without waiting for an interpreter will save time and even save lives. Being a multilinguist, I appreciate the clarity to avoid misunderstanding. The life experience that I have gained from practising two or more languages helps me to convey message clearly. I believe that words are important and it should not be taken lightly. Hence as a multilinguist, I feel that I can make a difference in my society through citizen journalism by using multiple languages effectively.
Profile Link: http://modlingua.com/language-interns-at-modlingua/339-imulok-marcus-intern-profile.html
Writer Imulok Marcus is Malay and English Language and Translation Intern at Modlingua, India's No1. certified translation and Language service providers based in New Delhi
