Words have power.

If you don't believe it, look at the opposite sides in the battle over abortion in the US - each side took a long time convincing everyone to use the names they chose for themselves: Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. Nowadays, no one thinks about it, but look at those words and see what meaning they bring to each side's argument. You may not agree with them, but repeat them often enough and they burrow into your brain, with all their nuances.

I have been rather frozen these past weeks, watching the destruction and upheaval in Eastern Europe. But it is not only a physical battle.

Each side is fighting to call it something different: a war vs a special military action. And it is a battle - so much so that Russia just adopted a law that would jail people for up to 15 years for publishing "fake news" about the Russian military. They called it an "information war."

As an interpreter who works with Russian, I have to not only know what is going on, but learn the points of view, and the logic behind each position. That way, when either side speaks, I can present what they say faithfully, regardless of my own opinions. And those listening to me can then make their own decisions.

Because it isn't up to me to make decisions for the listeners.

I make my own decisions outside the booth, but let you make your decisions when I am working.

I'll be working in places where the war/military action will most certainly be brought up, even if it's not officially on the agenda, and I will have to be very careful how I interpret the words anyone chooses to use.

Because words have power. They frame people's understanding of the world.

If you liked this article, please connect with me on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliapoger/ - and we can continue the conversation!