A few years back I was asked to train employees of a company based in Colombia, South America.

My level of excitement dropped a bit when I learnt that NONE of my audience spoke any

English. However, I was told that there would be interpreters

to help me.

I still remember my first day in class. I arrived 20 minutes before the session and

met the 2 interpreters. I first gave them a high level overview of

my topic. We discussed a few other things and then the

class began.

I would speak out a sentence and almost simultaneously the interpreter would translate it to Spanish

which the audience and I would listen to, via head phones.

Every hour or so one interpreter would rest and the other would take over.

I found all of this pretty fascinating. So in this session I am going to talk about an

interpreter and a translator?

What? =====

Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another.

Interpreters however work with spoken language, as well as sign language, while translators

focus on the written word.

When one talks about interpreting, there are a few styles:

Simultaneous interpreting for example, requires interpreters to listen ( or watch ) and speak

(or sign) at almost the same time as the speaker.

Then we have consecutive interpreting which begins only after the speaker has said a group

of words or sentences.

As mentioned before translators work with the written word.

Translation is not a matter of substituting words in one language for words in another.

It is a matter of understanding the THOUGHT expressed in one language and then explaining

it using the RESOURCES of another language.

How? ====

So how does one go about becoming an interpreter or translator?

In general you should have an exceptionally good command over your mother tongue and good

knowledge of one or more other languages. You should also have a good memory, stamina

and public speaking skills. While there are successful interpreters and

translators with little or no formal education, the surest way to succeed is by opting for

a graduate or postgraduate course. Some courses focus purely on translation,

some on interpreting, and some prepare students for careers in either area.

These courses may focus on certain areas, such as economics, law and technology.

Courses may also focus on a range of languages. For example there maybe courses suitable for

native speakers of English with French, Italian or Spanish or some other combination.

Apart from language, you will also be learn about the culture and traditions which are

very important to be an effective translator or interpreter.

Translation courses will also introduce you to computer-assisted translation.

While studying, internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience.

Volunteering, alongside more experienced professionals, and networking with those already established

in the field is also recommended.

Where? ======

Interpreters tend to get paid by the hour, half-day or day.

Translators, on the other hand, are usually paid by the word.

Interpreters may work as conference interpreters. An example would be an UN assembly involving

delegates from various countries. They also can work as guide interpreters.

Here they could accompany delegates abroad to ensure that they are able to communicate

during their stay.

Translators could specialize in particular areas such as law or finance.

Many translators work in audio visual translating. An example of this would be creating subtitles

for movies or documentaries. They could also work in literary translation,

converting an original text into another language for example.

The vast majority of interpreters and translators work on a freelance basis.

Furthermore, some large organizations such as the United Nations who hire interpreters

and translators can be very selective and may only take graduates who have completed

postgraduate courses.

Translators and interpreters are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations

in many countries. With more than 6500 distinct languages in

the world, this should not come as a surprise.

Good Luck.