Introduction 

Welcome to JurisLingua

Hello and welcome! I’m Jerees Afnan, a Jordanian American student based in Michigan, currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Arabic Studies with a double minor in Communication and Law & Society and an Arabic Translation Certificate at The University Of Michigan-Dearborn. My aspirations lie at the intersection of law, language, and global affairs—I plan to attend law school with a focus on corporate law, then transition into politics and diplomacy, ultimately striving for a leadership role in governance or international law. Through my studies in legal systems, translation, and policy, I aim to bridge linguistic and legal gaps, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and justice across borders.

In this ePortfolio, you’ll find my academic work, research projects, and professional experiences that showcase my analytical, legal, and linguistic skills. Whether it's my research on international trade, legal policy, or cross-cultural communication or my work in translation and advocacy, I hope to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, critical thinking, and global impact. One defining experience that has shaped my path was during my internship, I had the opportunity to translate handwritten texts about the village of Jimzo. At first, I was unsure of what to expect—whether I would be working with personal accounts, legal records, or historical narratives. What I discovered was a profound intersection of language and history that deepened my appreciation for translation as both an academic and legal tool.

The process of translation was challenging yet rewarding. The handwriting, aged and sometimes faded, required careful scrutiny. Some words were written in an older script or used terminology specific to the Palestinian dialect, prompting me to research historical contexts and variations in language use. Beyond the technical difficulties, I found myself piecing together fragments of the past—accounts of history, locations, and governance. Each phrase carried weight, not just as words on a page but as echoes of lived experiences.

This experience solidified my passion for law and translation. It demonstrated how language bridges history and the present, shaping our interpretation of justice and governance. It also highlighted the precision required in legal translation—how a single mistranslation could alter meaning and, consequently, rights. As I pursue a career in law, I now see translation as an essential skill, especially in international legal contexts where language can dictate the terms of diplomacy and justice.

Looking back, my work with the Jimzo texts was more than just an internship—it was a lesson in the power of language. It reaffirmed my belief that law is deeply intertwined with cultural and historical narratives and that translation plays a crucial role in ensuring these narratives are accurately preserved. This experience will continue to shape my approach to legal studies, inspiring me to explore the intersections of law, language, and identity in my future career.

Feel free to explore my work and reach out—I’d love to connect!