Career as a Language Translator
In today’s era of globalization, English as the primary official language has lost much of its sheen. Regional languages are much in demand and with countries like China, Japan and Korea making their presence felt in the international scenario, the career prospects for a Language Translator have increased multifold.
Translation is thus expected to emerge as a multi-billion dollar industry in the upcoming decades. This is one of the reasons why the career prospects too have brightened up and a majority of youngsters are now looking forward to build a career in translation..
Importance of a Language Translator
A language translator has a very important role to play in the domain he/she works. Most importantly, the translators are employed in scenarios where they have to act as an interpreter translating orally.
One critical example of such translators or interpreters at work can be cited of scenarios when they are employed in important United Nations conventions where important dignitaries from around the world have come together to share their views on any topic or idea.
Translators have an important role to play in print and electronic media too, as they work with printed documents and recordings which have to be translated into other languages.
Tasks and Responsibilities of a Language Translator
A language translator is expected to play a multifarious role in managing the affairs of the company or the organization for which the translator is working.
However, like any other profession, a translator is assigned certain specific tasks and responsibilities. Here are some of them:
- Interpret or translate in appropriate terminology with respect to the translation.
- Key support in translating any kind of medical, legal or any other given information to the satisfaction of all.
- Act as a viable medium between the service provider and the company or the organization for which the task is being carried out.
- Work with utmost professionalism while translating any printed document keeping in view the stringent timelines and other issues.
- Help convey the message to the audience in a manner so that the essence of the original idea conveyed to the translator through a recording is not lost.
- To be seen as a cultural messenger by the general lot and as one who is able to integrate two cultures separated by linguistic barriers.
Skills required
Language Skills
The person desirous of becoming a language translator needs to have some great language skills. A translator should essentially have thorough understanding of the language and should be conversant with the basic grammar of the language. This makes it easy to understand the language and the translator will be able to do a good job. The translator needs to have a thorough command of the language to in to which the translation is being carried out.
Subject Matter Knowledge
A translator doesn’t necessarily have to be a subject matter specialist but he/she needs to have basic knowledge of the relevant aspects of whatever he/she is translating. This skill is an essential for making the task less time consuming and also add to the convenience and interest of the translator.
Listening Skills
As the work of a translator entails listening to recorded speeches and translating the same into a distinct language, the translator needs to have excellent listening skills. The need to understand the basic aspects of any word or phrase needs to be paid attention to.
Educational requirements
Anyone desirous of seeking a professional career in the field of language translator needs to have a minimal of bachelor’s degree preferably in any of the languages. However those having interest in mass communication can too think of becoming a language translator. Some universities also offer degree in translation and the same can be pursued if you wish to become a professional translator.
However, if pursuing a degree in Language, you need to learn two languages simultaneously, one the source language and the other in which you seek to translate the documents at a later stage of your career.
Following is the list of Universities/Institutes which offer a degree or diploma in translation.
- Max Mueller Bhavan for Germany
- Alliance Francaise for French
- Calcutta University
- Jadavpur University
- Central Institute for English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad
Career Prospects
As a language translator, you can seek employment with Universities, Multi National Corporation having Chambers of Commerce. Career as a Medical transcriptionist too can be pursued if you have a degree in translation.
Employment too can be sought at Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre in Delhi which offers numerous short term and freelance opportunities to any language translator.
If you want to make a career as a translator and want to learn any language, you can post your requirement here.
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