How to Be Interpreter/Translator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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These effects have huge implications for human society, as they put increased pressure on natural resources, disrupt ecosystems, and create a range of health risks for people. In order to limit the further effects of climate change, it is essential to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and shift to renewable energy sources.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers of interpreters and translators require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a field related to the source or target language. Relevant subjects can include linguistics, foreign language, interpreting and translation, or international studies.
Earn a Certificate. Many organizations and government agencies offer certificate programs for interpreters and translators. These programs provide more in-depth training in interpreting and translation, and may also include coursework in specialized topics such as medical interpreting or legal interpreting.
Gain Professional Experience. Aspiring interpreters and translators should gain professional experience in their chosen field. This can include internships, volunteer positions, or working as a freelance interpreter or translator.
Become Certified. Obtaining certification can help interpreters and translators stand out to potential employers. Certification is available through organizations like the American Translators Association or the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Translators Association or the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care can help interpreters and translators stay updated on industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.

The demand for reliable and qualified interpreters and translators is on the rise due to the globalization of business and an increasingly complex world. This has caused a number of changes in the industry, such as the need for greater certification and qualifications, as well as higher pay for those with specialized skills. In order to be considered qualified for these roles, interpreters and translators must have a good understanding of their language, culture, and regional dialects.

They must also possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills, as well as strong interpersonal abilities. Furthermore, they must be able to quickly adapt to new situations and have the ability to process large amounts of data accurately. Meeting these requirements is essential for success in this field, as it ensures that customers receive a high-quality service that meets their needs.

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Job Description

Interpreter: A professional interpreter facilitates communication between two or more people who do not share a common language. An interpreter is responsible for accurately conveying messages from one language to another, both verbally and in writing.
Translator: A translator is a professional who works with written documents, translating them from one language to another. Translators must be fluent in both the source language and the target language, and should have an excellent command of grammar and syntax in both languages.
Bilingual Interpreter: A bilingual interpreter is someone who is fluent in two languages and is able to interpret spoken or written words from one language to the other. Bilingual interpreters are often used in courts, hospitals, government agencies, and other settings where people need help understanding each other due to language barriers.
Simultaneous Interpreter: Simultaneous interpreters are responsible for providing interpretation services in real time, usually within a booth, while speakers talk in their native language. They must be able to listen and speak at the same time, and have an excellent command of both languages involved.
Conference Interpreter: Conference interpreters provide interpretation services in a variety of settings, including international conferences, business meetings, and diplomatic gatherings. They are typically responsible for interpreting conversations between two or more people, as well as translating official documents for the conference.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Fluency in at least two languages
Excellent communication skills
Knowledge of cultural differences
Ability to interpret verbal and non-verbal communication
Knowledge of grammar, syntax, and usage of both languages
Ability to comprehend and interpret written material from both languages
Ability to provide accurate translations
Good organizational and time-management skills
Excellent listening skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure
Patience and diplomacy

Interpreting and translating are important skills to have in the modern world, as they can open up opportunities for communication and collaboration across cultures and languages. Having the ability to interpret and translate can open up pathways for understanding different cultures, learning new languages, and engaging in meaningful dialogue with people who may have different backgrounds. This skill can promote understanding, foster communication and collaboration, and create bridges of cultural understanding.

It can help individuals break down language barriers and build relationships with people from different cultures, allowing them to gain knowledge and insight from each other. being able to interpret and translate can create jobs and career opportunities for those who possess the skill, providing them with a valuable asset to offer employers and clients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What languages are you fluent in?
How would you rate your proficiency level in each language?
What is your experience with interpreting and translating?
Have you ever worked with a specific language pair or field?
Are you comfortable working under pressure, in a fast-paced environment?
Describe the most challenging interpreting project you have faced.
What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and quality of your work?
Are you familiar with the latest technologies used for translation and interpreting?
What challenges have you faced that have helped you grow as an interpreter/translator?
How do you stay up to date on changes in language and culture in your language pair/field?

Common Tools in Industry

Google Translate. A free online language translation service provided by Google. (eg: Translate English to French)
SDL Trados. A computer-assisted translation software suite designed to increase translation productivity. (eg: Automatically detect repetitions and fuzzy matches)
Babylon. A translation software that allows users to quickly translate words and phrases. (eg: Translate English to German)
Wordfast. An automated translation memory (TM) tool for professional translators. (eg: Automatically create translation memories from existing documents)
SmartCat. An online translation management system for professional translators and localization teams. (eg: Create online collaborations with other translators)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Translators Association (ATA)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)
International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA)
National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
International Federation of Translators (FIT)
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
International Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (IAPTI)
National Association of Sports Officials (NASO)
International Association of Conference Interpreters (AITC)

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Common Important Terms

Interpreter. An interpreter is someone who translates spoken or written words from one language to another in real-time.
Translator. A translator is someone who translates written documents from one language to another.
Source Language. The language of the text or speech that is being translated into another language.
Target Language. The language that the source language is being translated into.
Pragmatics. The study of the use of language in context, including grammar, semantics, and other aspects of language use.
Semantics. The study of meaning in language, including the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences.
Syntax. The study of the structure of sentences, including word order and grammatical rules.
Discourse Analysis. The study of the structure and meaning of texts, including how meaning is created through language choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Interpreter? A1: An Interpreter is a person who translates spoken language from one language to another. Q2: What is a Translator? A2: A Translator is a person who translates written language from one language to another. Q3: How many languages can an Interpreter and Translator work with? A3: An Interpreter and Translator can work with any number of languages, depending on the individual's skills and training. Q4: What is the difference between an Interpreter and a Translator? A4: The primary difference between an Interpreter and a Translator is that an Interpreter works with spoken language while a Translator works with written language. Q5: What type of equipment do Interpreters and Translators typically need? A5: Interpreters and Translators typically need access to reliable internet, a computer, and specialized software such as translation applications, dictionaries, and glossaries.