Translator Interpreter Career Training
Interpreters and translators work in numerous industries that require language services, from airlines to universities. Approximately one-fourth of interpreters and translators are freelance, part time or self-employed, and many work irregularly. Such professionals accounted for roughly 50,900 jobs in the United States in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and they earned an hourly mean income of $20.74 as of May 2008.
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Function
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Although interpreters and translators perform the similar task of converting one language to another language, they require different skills to complete distinct aspects of their job. Interpreters specialize in spoken language, which they interpret either consecutively (translation starts after the speaker finishes a series of sentences or words) or simultaneously (translation occurs while the speaker is still communicating). Translators specialize in written language. While interpreters may translate both to and from the languages they're proficient in, translators often translate written text only into one language, which is usually their native language.
Education
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Interpreters and translators must have fluency in two languages at the least, although bilingualism, or native fluency in two languages, is not required for success. Many employers prefer to hire interpreters and translators with a bachelor's degree. Beneficial college-level coursework includes a major in a language or a field that can later serve as an area of expertise, such as finance or literature. Recommended high school pursuits include traveling abroad and taking computer, foreign language and writing classes.
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Experience
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Most interpreters and translators must complete formal training to learn how to perform their duties. Relevant programs are available through colleges, employers and non-college-based conferences and courses. Interpreters and translators can also obtain experience by completing a translation studies degree, participating in an apprenticeship or internship, pursuing an in-house position at a translation company and volunteering at local organizations that require translation assistance.
Types
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Bachelor's degree, master's degree and certificate programs in translation or interpreting frequently require passing an entrance examination to demonstrate competence in two languages, usually English and another language. Their curriculum commonly includes such classes as consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, translation principles, translation theory and translation tools. Programs also typically offer specialty courses, such as legal interpreting or medical translation, as well as courses combining two languages, such as English-to-Russian translation or Russian-to-English interpreting. Non-college-based courses typically cover similar topics.
Time Frame
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Bachelor's degree programs generally require four years to complete, master's degree programs may last approximately two years and certificates often require completion of four to six courses over two or more semesters. Non-college-based courses and workshops vary in length or number of sessions.
Credentials
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Interpreters and translators do not have to obtain mandatory credentials in the United States, but they can pursue recognized credentials voluntarily to demonstrate their skills. The American Translators Association administers certification in English combined with 24 other languages. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf provide certification in sign-language interpreting. The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators certifies court interpreters, and courts at the federal, municipal and state level offer certification in certain languages.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit The open book image by Cosmic from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Jackie Chia
Sep 14, 2010
It's really useful,thanks.
