Translating compassion: a linguist's commitment to social inclusion

Dr Suzan Makhloof is a decorated lecturer in linguistics and cross-cultural communication, teaching English in Hunter schools to students from diverse backgrounds.

Her academic expertise is complemented by extensive community engagement – her compassionate nature drawing her to work as a NAATI accredited interpreter for Hunter New England Multicultural Health Service, mainly in medical settings.

“We deliver more than just language, we deliver feelings,” she explains.

“One misinterpretation can change a whole diagnosis, so the stakes are high.”

Currently holding a director role with not-for-profit CALD Connect Foundation, Dr Makhloof has found a particular passion for supporting CALD community members, especially women.

“There are cultural differences and challenges, and it is important to ensure all women feel confident navigating different services to support their social inclusion.”

Having worked as an academic in Egypt before coming to Australia and commencing her PhD, she has continued her career in academia as an Associate Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of Newcastle, as well as roles in the University’s Pathways Centre, and a Lecturer of Arabic Language at Charles Sturt University.

Dr Makhloof’s thesis explored the ‘weak’ forms in English which pose challenging for Arabic speakers, especially among newly arrived refugee students in high schools; and methods to adapt teaching practices in Australia to combat these learning challenges.

Dr Suzan Makhloof is the graduate speaker for her ceremony and will cross the stage on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 10:00 AM.