Interpreter and Translator
Interpreters and translators are professionals who facilitate communication between individuals who speak different languages, including sign language. While the roles may seem similar, they operate in distinct contexts: translators focus on written content and often work alone, whereas interpreters handle oral communication in various settings like hospitals and courts, often requiring them to think and act quickly. Translators typically prefer solitary work, reflecting on texts and ensuring that the original message's nuances are preserved, while interpreters must engage actively with clients, sometimes in high-pressure environments.
In terms of work settings, translators usually work in stable environments, such as home offices, while interpreters frequently encounter varied situations, including traveling to potentially unsafe locations. Educationally, both paths require a strong foundation in language and culture, with many professionals holding bachelor's or advanced degrees. Additionally, certifications can enhance job prospects, especially in specialized fields like healthcare or legal interpretation. Overall, both careers demand significant linguistic skills, cultural understanding, and adaptability to different circumstances.
Subject Terms
Interpreter and Translator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Business, Management & Administration, Hospitality & Tourism
Interests: Languages, foreign cultures, writing, working with people, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $53,640 per year $25.79 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Interpreters and translators facilitate communication between people who use different languages, including sign language. While the terms are commonly thought to be interchangeable, translators and interpreters work in different media. A translator translates written materials, usually into their native language, while an interpreter translates oral communication and may switch between languages. Some do both types of work. Among the most common languages translated into English are Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and American Sign Language (ASL).
Work Environment. Translators often work by themselves at home, where they receive assignments via the Internet or mail. Interpreters work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, courtrooms, schools, airports, and government offices. They may work alone with just their clients or with partners. In some cases, a translator or interpreter might work the night shift or odd hours, especially when communicating with people who live and work in other time zones. Some interpreters work with reporters in combat zones, risking their lives.
Occupation Interest. Interpreting and translating attract those who are linguistically gifted and enjoy foreign cultures. Translators tend to be introverts who enjoy reading and writing and prefer solitary work, while interpreters tend to be extroverts who love being around people, have excellent hearing and listening skills, and are quick thinkers. Translators must manage deadlines, while interpreters comply with variable schedules. In either case, the work demands strong cognitive skills and a sharp memory. Sign language interpreters also need excellent hand dexterity.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A translator spends most of their day translating documents on a computer. A job might be as simple as a few paragraphs in a blog, or it could be a book or transcript hundreds of pages long. The translator takes time to reflect on what they read. The translator then tries to communicate the message with as much of its natural rhythm and nuances intact as possible. Such work requires complete knowledge of each language, including slang, subject-specific jargon, and colloquialisms, and a deep understanding of each culture. Usually, a translator has several dictionaries and style guides, as grammar and punctuation are extremely important.
Interpreters work closely with their clients in person or via phone, videophone, or microphone. Interpretation may be simultaneous or consecutive. Simultaneous interpreting involves listening to a speaker and translating orally or signing simultaneously. Sometimes, the interpreter is given a written speech or paper to consult in advance for general ideas and language. In other cases, there is no time to think! Consecutive interpreting involves listening to a speaker complete a few words or a sentence and then translating it orally. Depending on the speaker’s pace, the interpreter might have time to consider various interpretations of a word or phrase.
Interpreters at United Nations conventions or other types of conferences often sit in the audience and whisper their translations into a microphone. Sign language interpreters sometimes use videophones and a computer to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Self-employed translators and interpreters spend part of the day keeping up with marketing, billing, and other administrative tasks.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Interpreters work in diverse interior and exterior environmental conditions, including potentially dangerous or unhealthy job sites. Travel is often required. Translators, on the other hand, work in offices with less variable conditions or at home.
Human Environment. Unless self-employed, translators and interpreters report to supervisors or directors and usually interact with various office staff and professionals. Their clients may change from day to day. Interpreters also interact with the public at conventions or while touring cities with their clients.
Technological Environment. A translator uses translation software on a computer and might use a transcription machine. An interpreter sometimes uses a microphone and might rely on a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop to access the Internet or a computerized dictionary. Some sign language interpreters use a videophone and a video relay service (VRS) or video interpreting service.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Achieving proficiency in a foreign language takes many years. A college preparatory program with four years of at least one foreign language and courses in English, speech, and the social sciences (political science, anthropology, and world cultures) will provide the best foundation for a career in interpretation or translation. Those students interested in translating technical material should consider additional courses in science and technology. Foreign exchange programs, travel, volunteer work with ethnic organizations, and other independent educational experiences can prove invaluable.
Postsecondary. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most jobs, selecting a major is a personal decision based on the type of work desired. Students might consider double majoring in a foreign language and another subject, such as computer science, English literature, engineering, nursing, or pre-law, or in two foreign languages, such as Spanish and French. Some translators and interpreters need an advanced degree to translate subject-specific concepts and vocabulary.
Studying abroad, traveling abroad, and participating in international clubs are some ways to gain crucial hands-on experience. An internship might be needed for some jobs. Some employers offer on-the-job training. Certifications can be advantageous for aspiring interpreters, particularly those who intend to work in courts or healthcare settings.
Bibliography
"Interpreters and Translators." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/interpreters-and-translators.htm. Accessed 28 Sept. 2023.