“The pain due to the deafness of my parents has become a professional journey that I follow willingly because when we help others, we also help ourselves,” says Marija Basheska-Stojanovska. 

Marija Basheska-Stojanovska is a certified sign language interpreter, widely recognized for her many years of work at the Macedonian Radio Television (MRT). We discussed with Marija her early beginnings, student days, youthful ambitions, and the challenges she faces today.

“You bring me back with joy to a bygone era, full of memories and experiences. After finishing secondary education in Prilep, the town where I was born and raised, my path led me to study in Skopje. I was uncertain about my future profession; I excelled in French but also had a passion for natural sciences. I play the guitar and have a musical inclination. Despite these diverse interests, I chose to enroll in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, deciding to study Biology with major teaching. My final decision was made in consultation with my uncle, Dragi Basheski, a distinguished journalist and publicist, who provided me with valuable spiritual guidance. I was a diligent student, and by the end of my studies, I received an opportunity that would become my profession,” Marija begins the conversation, her memories filled with emotion.

As a child of deaf parents, I have an excellent command of the Macedonian sign language

“Since I am a child of deaf parents, I have an excellent command of the Macedonian sign language, which is my natural means of communication not only with my parents but with all deaf people. Just before graduating from college, my father was the president of the National Association of Deaf People of Yugoslavia, and later of Macedonia. The need to interpret at meetings and conferences arose, marking the beginning of another job that led me to the Macedonian Radio Television. In the early 90s, a program space was created for the deaf population, which continues to this day. This is the show ‘The World of Silence,’ a bilingual program that has thrived in the media space for decades. That’s how I became a beginner – an associate interpreter of sign language in MTV’s documentary program. Surrounded by top journalists, I had the opportunity to learn and grow by observing the produced content of those who have left a significant legacy in the MTV archives. But it would be selfish of me not to acknowledge the patience and love shown to us beginners and freelancers. They knew how to guide us carefully into the secrets of documentary videos, offering constructive criticism that was always beneficial for our development and instruction,” Marija shares.

And so, instead of becoming a biology professor, her interest settled in front of the cameras and lights of MTV, where she remains to this day.

“Of course, that leap from one profession to another required a lot of effort and learning, especially since I had to fulfill the roles of both a journalist and an interpreter in Macedonian sign language. There were a variety of topics and interlocutors, both hearing and deaf. I was entering a different world – a world that listens with its heart, a world that is here with us, beside us, but, due to deafness, remains unseen and unheard. An initial but thorough lesson in everything I did was under the watchful journalistic eye of my uncle, who, as I have already mentioned, was a journalist and a great motivator for embarking on this path. Simultaneously, I was improving my Macedonian sign language skills by attending all the seminars held at the National Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the Republic of North Macedonia,” Marija recalls.

I justified the authority and trust given to me by the Macedonian Television

Throughout the years, in her work as a journalist and interpreter of Macedonian sign language, Marija has shared documentary stories drawn from the lives of deaf people. The interest of the viewers has given her additional motivation, reaffirming that she is on the right path.

“Looking back, I admire the courage I had to stand up and speak out loudly for a small population, drawing precious public attention,” says Marija.

After several years, on the initiative of the team at that time, which included director Dushko Atanasovski, another specialized show, “New Horizons” was born. This program was dedicated to all other categories of people with disabilities.

“We encountered many stories and human destinies that we always tried to bring to the viewers in the most dignified way. The skill lay in telling the truth without causing viewers to change the channel. Because, you know, every person has enough problems without being burdened with ‘other people’s conditions.’ The editing room was where I competed with experienced television staff, and we enjoyed assembling the materials that would stand as testimony to our efforts in creating equal opportunities and affirmation for everyone in society. Many awards followed, among which I would highlight the first one given as special recognition by the readers of ‘Vecher.’ I justified the authority and trust given to me by the Macedonian Television for guiding the development of a program that was slowly becoming inclusive,” Marija adds.

She interpreted at many conferences, congresses, events

After a few years, in collaboration with the Broadcasting Council at that time, my colleague Nikola Momiroski made it possible for MRT to broadcast live the first debate between presidential candidates with simultaneous translation. For the first time, deaf viewers had the opportunity to hear the candidates’ promises, understand their election platforms, and make their own informed voting decisions.

“It was a marathon TV duel between Boris Trajkovski and Tito Petkovski, as well as Branko Crvenkovski and Ljubcho Gjeorgievski, which lasted four hours without a break. I remember that after leaving the studio, my sense of satisfaction from what I had achieved was mixed with immense physical exhaustion. It felt like I had spent hours in the gym training. To my great delight, during one working day, director Dushko Atanasovski visited the documentary program’s office and left me a script written in pencil under the title ‘The Voice of Light.’ I read it in one breath and was thrilled that a feature film was on the horizon. For the first time, the script depicted real events involving the deaf and their families. The film won awards at several film festivals and was notable for featuring deaf children. It was bilingual and accessible to everyone. Meanwhile, I attended many sign language seminars outside of Macedonia and became a certified interpreter not only here, but I also earned a Serbian certificate,” Marija recalls with joy.

She translated at numerous conferences, congresses, and events, gaining allies across various sectors of society. Many times, the topics she addressed resonated with people’s interests.

The sole goal – To ensure that deaf people have a dignified place in society.

She found the greatest support in her family, which upheld strong spiritual standards for life.

“My mother Eleonora and my father Milan were always there to guide me, ensuring that the topics were understood, well processed, and accurately translated into sign language. Gradually, deaf people became a part of MTV’s morning shows, educational programs, and cultural segments. The message in my heart remains: ‘A person can listen with his heart.’ I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for giving me the strength to start translating the Bible (New Testament) into Macedonian sign language so that deaf Christians can also grow in faith. These video materials have inspired many deaf people to awaken in love, faith, and hope. Throughout my years of journalistic work, I have been moved and protected by the power of Jesus, for which I am deeply grateful. You asked me about unrealized wishes. I’ve always enjoyed playing the guitar and wished to study classical music, but at that time, such a department was not available at the music academy in Skopje. I didn’t pursue it further because I wanted to stay close to my parents. I cherished every moment with them until the end, and through them, I became who I am today. The pain due to the deafness of my parents has become a professional journey that I follow willingly because when we help others, we also help ourselves. At many musical events, I sang songs in sign language and taught sign language for many years, as I was a member of the Sign Language Commission at the National Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the Republic of North Macedonia. My CV records many accomplished projects with the goal of ensuring that deaf people have a dignified place in society. I leave the assessment of my work to you,” concludes Basheska.