Empowering Through Language: Dr. Jayshree Iyer’s Journey from French Literature to Refugee Advocacy
“I grew up bilingual or trilingual in India, acquiring linguistic skills just by being exposed to a plethora of languages,” shares Dr. Jayshree Iyer, today’s Woman Dreamer. With a PhD in French literature from Tulane University and a specialization in medieval studies, Jayshree has had a lifelong passion for language. Raised in a home filled with books, her fascination with words blossomed early, shaping a career that spans teaching, translation, and empowering refugees from Francophone Africa. In this interview, she reflects on how her upbringing shaped her love for languages, her journey into medieval studies, and the empowering work she does today with refugee communities.
Tell us your story. How did your upbringing and background influence your interest in languages and literature?
I grow up bilingual or trilingual in India, and we acquire linguistic skills just by being exposed to a plethora of languages. I spoke Tamil at home and along with English, I learned Hindi and Marathi at school. My interest in languages was also born out of the fact that I was a voracious reader. My parents instilled a love of reading in me by raising me in a home filled with books. I was fascinated by words and their etymology. I read “Les Misérables”in English and decided that I would learn to read the book in the original some day.
2. Can you tell us about your journey in the field of French literature and what drew you to medieval studies?
I started learning French in high school and was hooked. I majored in French at Elphinstone College and also simultaneously enrolled in classes at the Alliance Française in Mumbai. I returned to teach at both the alma maters after obtaining my MA in French from Bombay University. I eventually got my PhD in French at Tulane University. My interest in translation drew me to medieval studies. We studied texts written in Old French which is considerably different phonetically and grammatically from Modern French. Translating Old French and its dialects into Modern French and English was like embarking on a new linguistic adventure.
3. Currently, you are a French teacher and translator working with refugees in the US from Francophone countries in Africa. What has been your experience working with refugees from Francophone countries in Africa? Can you share a memorable story or moment from your work with the refugee community?
The experience has been eye-opening and enriching. The refugees are from war-torn Central African Republic ( CAR). The language barrier is the biggest challenge. I had to teach them to pass the written test component of driver’s education. I have always been a language and literature teacher. I found driver’s ed to be technical and dry. But it turned out to be a fulfilling experience as I realized how empowering it was for refugee women to learn to drive as many of them had never ventured out of their homes alone before.
4. How have female characters, and the role of women in literature changed over time? Are there any trends or changes you are particularly excited by?
The ‘male gaze’ dominated literature for a long time. The literary world reinforced traditional gender roles but with the rise of feminism started serving as a platform to advocate for women’s rights, resulting in subversive narratives and more nuanced portrayals of women characters. We are now living in a world where we are rethinking gender. I am curious and excited to see how literature would deal with gendered languages and redefine itself in a gender fluid world.
5. As we are the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
Along with devoting time for my own writing projects, I would like to further expand my work with refugees to help them integrate into the mainstream community. My biggest dream is to work with lower income students to help them with their college applications. They are at a disadvantage as they don’t always have parental support and they can’t afford to hire college consultants like rich kids. I would love to use my experience and expertise to guide them with the college essays. My dream is to make their dreams come true.
6. With winter around the corner, people are looking for a good read with their coffee. What book is on your reading list this fall/winter?
My list includes “The Fury”, a psychological thriller by Alex Michaelides and “The Paris Novel”, by cookbook author Ruth Reichl. In the Fall, I am looking forward to the English translation of Haruki Murakami’s “The City and Its Uncertain Walls”and “Countdown 1960” by Chris Wallace, a non-fiction political thriller.
Thank you Jayshree for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
BIO: Jayshree Iyer has a doctorate in French literature from Tulane University with a specialization in medieval studies. She is currently working with refugees from Francophone countries in Africa. She has a passion for learning languages and particularly enjoys literary translation. She enjoys writing and has contributed her essays and poems to various journals and anthologies. She has a literary blog at https://literarygitane.wordpress.com. She is also the founder and organizer of a book club at the local library in Windham, NH which she has been running for over a decade.