Arabic Translator Jobs

The need for a good Arabic translator has exploded in recent years, particularly after September 11th, 2001. Arabic translators can find jobs in the military, with the U.S. government, with international aid and non-profit organizations, as well as with international corporations looking to expand into the Middle East. No other language seems to have grown quite as fast, quite as quickly.

Significance

In 2006, President George W. Bush increased funding for the study of Arabic under the Foreign Language and Areas Studies scholarship, commonly called FLAS. Arabic translators were, and still are, desperately needed in the military and the FLAS scholarship increase was meant to increase the pool of ready talent. Arabic translators who enlist in the military are often offered signing bonuses for their specialization.

Function

In addition to military applications, Arabic translators are in high demand in the intelligence community. The Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Administration all recruit Arabic speakers to assist their role in the War on Terror. These positions are usually in the information-gathering portion of these organizations and require listening to and reading Arabic more than actual field work.

Types

The United States Department of State is always looking for members of its diplomatic corps that are usually recruited for their different talents, and Arabic translators are no different. The Middle East represents a great interest to the United States' foreign policy and almost all those countries speak Arabic. Translators for attaches and diplomats accompany their charges to meetings at all levels of government and can be involved in some very delicate negotiations.

Time Frame

Non-governmental organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, and supra-governmental organizations, such as the UNHCR, have need for Arabic translators as well. Whether operating in the Palestinian Territories or in the Darfur region of Sudan, the need for Arabic translators is keenly felt by all kinds of humanitarian organizations.

Identification

International corporations, such as Coca Cola, McDonald's, Kodak, and Radio Shack, have expanded their presence in the Middle East over the past few decades. Translators can be asked to facilitate relations with Arab governments or to negotiate with workers, or even to manage certain aspects of a business. For those seeking a job outside of government and away from politics, this is often the best route.

Resources

• CIA website
• State Department website
• United Nations website