Interpreters and Translator

What an Interpreters and Translator Does

Interpreters and translators work either full-time or part-time to translate languages back and forth. Interpreters deal with the spoken language: interpreting what someone says in one language into a second language so that an audience or other person can understand them. Translators focus with written languages. Besides translating or interpreting exact words and phrases, these professionals must find the most comparable idea, tone, and/or message to communicate in the second language, since no two languages can be translated directly. In interpreting especially, professionals need to be very sensitive to the cultural differences and the customs of each group of person, helping them find common ground and communicate effectively and respectively. Interpreters work for companies, individuals, in courtrooms, for government agencies, and more. Translators usually work on computers when dealing with texts. To become a translator or interpreter, you need to be fluent in another language and also have a strong knowledge of all the vocabulary and subject matter you're translating or interpreting: for example, understanding legal jargon if you work in a court room.

How to Become an Interpreter and Translator

You must know at least two languages completely fluently to become an interpreter or translator. Begin taking foreign language courses as early as you can, and take time to really learn grammar, conversation skills, vocabulary and the culture. Read literature and magazines and listen to online podcasts and radio stations in that language to get a feel for the natural inflection, tone, idioms and other nuances in languages. You do not have to major in a foreign language in college -- if you want to major in liberal arts, for example, you can take several foreign language and literature courses, as well as religion, philosophy and social sciences courses that will teach you about that culture. Or, if you know that you want to specialize in interpreting for business or technology, you can take courses in those fields too, so that you can familiarize yourself with their vocabulary. You should also sign up for training courses or workshops in interpreting or translating, as this experience will help you find a job. If you want to work for the federal or state courts, you may also need to become certified by the National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators.

Career Outlook for Interpreters and Translators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 50,900 interpreters and translators held jobs in 2008, but many more worked part-time or as freelancers. They work in schools, for businesses, governments, nonprofit groups, and more. Nearly 26% are self-employed. The BLS also expects great job growth for this profession. A 22% increase in employment should occur through 2018, which amounts to about 11,300 new jobs. Big cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago and Los Angeles should offer the best job prospects because of the number of international travelers, business people and immigrants. Interpreters and translators earned a median annual salary of $38,850 in May 2008, while the middle 50% earned between between $28,940 and $52,240. Your salary could vary widely from this range, though, depending on what industry you work in and the company you work, where you live, your experience, and the number of languages you speak.