Language skill is a very useful attribute providing an advantage in many professions. In some professions knowing English or an Indian or foreign language may be an additional requirement e.g in travel agencies, airlines, hoteliering or marketing. There are, however, some occupations which are essentially based on language proficiency. e.g. Interpreters and translators work primarily with the language they have specialized in.
While interpreters work with the spoken word, translating the statements spoken into another language (the mother tongue or vice verse), translators work is concerned with the written language, converting written documents and works from one language to another. Skills in both languages need to be good and generally some background of the specialists’ field are also required.
Language proficiency is essential also for the language teacher. In Indian schools students learn English which is a part of the curriculum and in secondary classes some foreign languages are introduced. Language teachers hence are required to train themselves in the teaching of a foreign language.
Academic qualifications in foreign languages open up opportunities for work in areas such as tourism, leisure and entertainment, business, public relations and mass communications, publishing, interpretation and translation work. International organizations, embassies, diplomatic service, espionage departments all have positions for language specialists. In business where international organisations are trading, often interpreters are appointed to facilitate interaction.
Opportunities are increasing with economic liberalisation and entry of multinationals in commercial sectors.
Nature of Work
Interpreter
An interpreter changes spoken words from one language to another. There are various forms used by interpreters. Simultaneous interpretation is used for conferences, meetings, speeches etc.
The interpreter in a sound proof room listens through headphones to the source speech and almost spontaneously interprets in the target language into a microphone. This automatically gets transmitted to earphones of listeners. For long meetings there may be a team of 2 interpreters taking turns at the job. Interpreters of several languages may be working simultaneously during a multinational conference.
Consecutive interpreting goes on during formal speeches. The speaker halts for a while when the interpreter interprets the spoken statements to the audience. Liaison interpreting is to facilitate the conversation between two persons speaking and understanding different languages.
Interpreters have to be good in languages as well as intonations, tone, diction etc and must have an ability to manipulate language in skillful ways. Knowledge of current issues and the topic with which they are expected to work should be good. Specialisation is imperative for interpreters at international seminars or meetings where a particular subject-say, economics or income tax-will be discussed in depth. A good memory, concentration, rapid responses, speed and accuracy are essential personal qualities.
Translator
Books, scripts, articles in order to be read by people from various regions and nations need to be translated into various languages. Normally translators work into their mother tongue. Translators working in specific areas also have some idea of the technical terms used.
Translation work requires meticulousness and accuracy of words. They should have a clear written language and wide and up to date knowledge of the specialised area of work.
Language teaching
Teaching English or any foreign language involves training for understanding, speaking. reading and writing . Teaching methods range from story telling, ‘chalk and talk’, conversation, videos, flash cards etc. Preparations of teaching materials such as books and language CDs is also an option for experienced teachers.
Transcription
Mainly legal and medical-transcription is rapidly becoming a lucrative option for language graduates. Familiarity with medical jargon, adaptability to the American accent along with a good knowledge of Spanish, German, or French can fetch well paying job.
Other options
The usefulness of languages, as a second set of skills grafted onto other qualifications is increasing, and major efforts are being made to persuade firms to see that they need to work in the language of their customers. Now increasing 'globalisation' of business, as in the financial markets, is boosting the demand and widening the range of languages needed, especially Arabic, Japanese, probably Chinese.
Organisations and firms do not want people who are language experts first. They want people who are, where possible, complete 'hybrids', who are trained professionals in a 'function' like marketing, law, accountancy, and who can also speak and write at least one language fluently and have in-depth, practical knowledge of their field (accountancy, law, marketing, purchasing, insurance, trade finance etc.) in the country or countries concerned.
In industry, commerce, buyers, salesmen and women, and others dealing with non-English speaking countries regularly are increasingly recruited from amongst those who are already proficient in the relevant languages, although it is possible to start in the 'function' and then acquire the languages.
In some sectors of industry and commerce specific languages are important - Japanese, for example, is becoming increasingly important in the motor industry.
Sales and development engineers, particularly in chemical plant manufacture and indeed in any field where plant and equipment is sold on an international basis, may need languages such as German.
Any commercial or industrial company with strong links abroad is likely to give preference to specialists or other professional staff who are able to converse fluently and have some skill with technical vocabulary. Travel and transport firms - airlines, travel agents, freight forwarders, hotels expect many of their staff to learn to speak other languages as a matter of course.
Bilingual, secretary-linguists are in demand with more and more firms.
They want high-level, 'normal' secretarial skills, plus one or more languages in which the secretary can read and translate correspondence, deal with phone calls in them, look after visitors, write some letters, type in other languages at more or less full speed, and use the different keyboards easily.
The Diplomatic Service needs people first and foremost who will make good diplomats, but also looks for those who are able to learn languages easily.
In broadcasting, small teams of people listen to broadcasts from overseas stations, round-the-clock, seven days a week, noting and translating important material and making transcriptions for the news service. Other occupations where languages are useful include journalism, library and information science and patent work.
Work Environment
Language specialists who work as interpreters meet and work with different people from diplomatic circles to tourists hence the working conditions can be varied. Considerable time may be spent in very formal settings. Translation is a desk job and may be carried on in an office or from home. Language specialists work with business, travel agencies, hotels etc. hence they have a choice in terms of facilities and conveniences.
Personal Characteristics
Those who choose to become linguists (language professionals) must have the aptitude to grasp the use of languages. Verbal ability is nurtured from an early stage and proficiency comes through correct and regular usage. New languages, however, can be learnt if you have good verbal aptitude and interest in the opportunities you can get as a language specialist. Linguists work for people and in a variety of settings hence adaptability, good people’s skills and an attitude of reaching out are essential. A pleasant demeanor, patience and an ability to withstand strain are required as often working hours may be prolonged.
