As a child, she was her parents' interpreter, but now she says stop: 'I have given them their own language'
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Marijana Jankovic, whose family moved to Denmark when she was young, often translated for her parents.
- She felt a responsibility to her parents and struggled against an industry that wanted to typecast her.
- Jankovic has now found a new approach that has changed everything, including her relationship with her parents.
For years, Marijana Jankovic felt the weight of responsibility as her family's interpreter after they relocated to Denmark. This role extended beyond mere translation; she felt compelled to navigate the world for her parents. Simultaneously, she battled an entertainment industry that sought to pigeonhole her, attempting to define her solely as 'the Serbian actress.' This pressure created a significant internal conflict.
Jankovic's journey has been one of asserting her own identity against external expectations. The constant need to act as a bridge between her parents and Danish society, while also resisting industry stereotypes, created a complex dynamic. She carried the burden of ensuring her parents could understand and engage with their new environment, a task that likely shaped her own sense of self and obligation.
However, a pivotal shift has occurred. Jankovic has discovered a new path, a different way of engaging with her circumstances. This change has profoundly impacted her life, most notably altering the nature of her relationship with her parents. By taking a stand and redefining her own narrative, she has not only liberated herself from industry constraints but also transformed the familial bonds she once felt defined by.
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.