NatureFix routines translate to other languages
We are excited to start translating our nature wellness routines into different refugee languages working with STARTTS - so that nature-based health solutions can be accessed to those that need it most!
San in the recording studio
Thrilled to be working with a range of interpreters like San, as we translate some of our NatureFix routines into 5 different languages including Arabic, Swahili, Kurdish Kurmanji, Zomi\ Tedim Chin and Burmese. The translators have been overwhelmingly and unanimously excited to work on the project and have all commented on how much they enjoyed the recording sessions. Melissa Beit, an Outreach Counsellor from STARTTS has been working closely with NatureFix and interpreters to ensure that the NatureFix routine scripts are achieving the desired outcomes by undertaking a line-by-line analysis to make sure the concepts and phrases translate from English to their language.
In some cases, direct translation has not worked. For example, one of the routines, about the relaxing powers of wandering, begins with the line "Wandering is not walking", however in both Arabic and Kurmanji, the word for wandering is the same as the word for walking, which, directly translated, would give us "walking is not walking" (!). In these cases, Melissa and the interpreters like San have explored the mood what the scripts are trying to create, and in this case, the feel of walking aimlessly, without being on a schedule or a with a particular destination in mind, with a sense of curiosity - the interpreter then comes up with their own sentence to convey that.
The interpreter who recorded the Burmese content was so pleased to be a part of the project because she said, "there is nothing in my language here. If I even see a sign at the school saying 'welcome' in my language, it makes me cry with happiness."
During conversations about the routines with interpreters prior to recording, it is clear they can see the value in connecting with nature for their own mental health. Many spoke of their own experiences with nature connection, such as their relationship with certain bird species in their country of origin and the meaning behind that relationship.
Like us, they are all very excited to share the recordings with their community members that are soon on their way!
This project continues to work with social workers and Psychologist’s from NSW Health, NSW SERVICE FOR THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF TORTURE AND TRAUMA SURVIVORS (STARTTS) in a project funded by Multicultural NSW .