Breaking Down Barriers and Building Connections: Celebrating International Translation Day at myAgro

September 30th marks International Translation Day, a global celebration recognizing the vital contributions of individuals who break down linguistic barriers and foster cross-cultural understanding. myAgro is an organization serving farmers within two diverse countries, Mali and Senegal, and we are staffed by individuals across the globe. Multilingualism is integral to our work, which is why on this International Translation Day, we celebrate our team members who strengthen the connection to our farmers, staff, and the communities we work with.

At myAgro, we work in various languages, including Bambara (the national language of Mali), Wolof (the most widely spoken language in Senegal), French, and English. Many of our team members are multilingual, and this skill set is essential to our ability to work as an organization deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

Aminata Fall and Aida Diop are myAgro team members who exemplify the linguistic and cultural support integral to achieving our goals.

Aminata Fall, HR Associate, boasts an impressive array of language skills, including Wolof, French, English, Korean, and Japanese. She developed her linguistic proficiency out of curiosity and necessity, with her love for R’n’B music even helping her to master English. Aminata’s ability to speak multiple languages has proven invaluable in her role, fostering inclusivity and breaking down language barriers.

She explained that her multilingualism allows her to connect with employees on a deeper level and address their needs more comprehensively. Aminata ensures that messages are not lost in translation in a multinational organization like myAgro, where staff members speak various languages, promoting clear and effective communication.

Reflecting on her experiences, Aminata shared that her translation skills have been particularly valuable in helping new team members feel at ease and better understand the work of the organization. 

“I have met new staff who would feel relieved to see someone who fully understands them. That also allows me to be able to clearly explain specific concepts or policies and make sure that the message is not lost in translation,” she said. “I believe that my ability to speak multiple languages enhances my effectiveness by breaking down language barriers, promoting inclusivity, and contributing to a more culturally aware and harmonious workplace. It allows me to connect with employees deeper and address their needs more comprehensively, ultimately supporting the organization’s overall human resource objectives and employees.”

When asked about overcoming translation challenges, Aminata emphasized the importance of using native speakers whenever possible, relying on reliable translation tools, and having subject matter experts proofread translations. Her language skills, particularly in French and English, contribute to ensuring that communication at myAgro is accurate and culturally sensitive.

Aida Diop is the Internal Communications Senior Associate at myAgro and specializes in connecting our team. She speaks Wolof, French, and English fluently. Her native Wolof is essential for connecting with farmers and field team members, giving our organization another opportunity to understand their needs and establish stronger relationships.

Aida also provides real-time translation during organization-wide meetings and interviews with farmers, ensuring that everyone involved can understand and contribute to the discussion. Her translation skills have a direct impact on the success of these interactions and build further trust with our farmers because they are able to build a strong connection through shared language.

“We are in Senegal. We have our own culture and way of speaking and expressing ourselves,” Aida said. “Being able to speak the farmer’s language is important. They are our core customers and allow us to do our work, and we need to understand them and their needs. When you are able to interview them and talk with them, you can speak with them and get them to open up about their lives and dreams. If you know the nuances, jokes, and cultural ways to connect, you can establish a strong relationship with them so we can work together.”

Aida believes that celebrating linguistic diversity not only furthers myAgro’s mission but also helps the organization embrace diversity and inclusion in its organizational culture. This is a value that she believes other organizations can instill by providing peer-to-peer language support, celebrating cultural events, and integrating inclusivity into all aspects of the workplace culture.

“The main point of importance is to unite us around one goal. We are one myAgro, one team, and though we might be in different departments and countries and have different milestones, we are one team,” Aida shared. “Having translation allows us to be one and ensures that whatever we do and talk about, we can reach our goals and work well together.”

Aminata and Aida exemplify the invaluable contributions of multilingual individuals at myAgro and we are incredibly grateful for their work. The language skills of our team members not only enhance communication within the organization but also foster inclusivity and promote cultural awareness. As myAgro continues to evolve, the role of translation in its diverse and multicultural workforce will remain paramount, ensuring that every individual we work with feels valued and understood.