A career in translation

How many languages do you know? Well, as long as you enjoy learning new languages, especially foreign languages that are in demand for business purposes globally, you may want to use your linguistic skills for making a career as a translator. Language is the most important communication tool for the human civilization and is certainly of great value on the professional front as a translator.

Though English is ruling the corporate world, but as the world becomes a global village with the Internet helping to diminish all boundaries, the job of an interpreter or a translator is something to watch out for. The work profile of a translator and interpreter is divided by a thin line based on the medium used. While translator translates the text, an interpreter interprets orally. Some of the languages that are in demand include CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and FIGS (French, Italian, German, Spanish). Candidates have numerous opportunities to learn languages and increase their linguistic skills.

Programmes Offered:

Students can choose from various programmes offered in the following levels:

• Undergraduate programs
• Postgraduate programs

The duration of the BA program is three years while the PG programmes take around 2 years.

Eligibility Criteria:

For pursuing this as a career you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria:

• Command over the language: The candidate must have strong hold over two languages i.e. the source language and target language
• Class10/10+2

Since there are other translators in the job market, be careful before you quote your price. You could also make your mark by specialising in an area which is less in demand. An area that is not much in demand will also mean lesser number of candidates vying for it; thus one may find more work opportunities. For better opportunities, it is advisable for the candidate to do a thorough research on the Internet or in translation agencies.

Tips for foreign language learning:

• Learn the Braille script of the language. It will enormously increase fluency in the language.
• Practice writing skills as much as possible. The candidate must have excellent command on written and spoken form of the language.
• Make special efforts to know about the field that you intend to specialize in. For example, if you wish to enter the IT field and work as a technical translator, make every effort to learn the IT terminology in that language.
• Extensive reading is advisable for increasing fluency and command over the language.
• Use every opportunity to interact with native speakers of your chosen language.
• Cultivate good writing skills in the target language. A translator is a good writer first, so ensure to express well in your target language.

Job Opportunities:

Trained candidates can hope to find work opportunities with universities, large MNCs, chambers of commerce; firms conducting market surveys, etc. The field of medical transcription provides ample opportunities. Skilled individuals could be enlisted in the Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre (INSDOC), in Delhi. Apart from a career as a translator, candidates can also opt to be language tutors or join the aviation, hospitality and shipping industry.

Remuneration:

Though this field provides plenty of opportunities, in the initial phase one can earn anything between Rs 11,000 to 19,000. The remuneration can later increase with experience and skills. Students also tend to work as freelancers after completing the course.

Other interesting reads:

- Spoken English is a corporate essential