Translators
The job of the translator is to translate material from one language to another while retaining the flavour and accuracy of the original. Translation can often get difficult, as two languages may not share similar syntactical structures or cultural references. Translation requires high level of concentration and long hours at the work desk.
Interpreters
The interpreter's command over the two languages used must be perfect. This is so because the interpreter - unlike the translator - does not enjoy the advantages of referring to a dictionary or editing the work done. The task of the interpreter is to listen to a sentence (or small paragraph) being spoken in a particular language and then orally translate the same into another language.
The Workplace
Translators
Translators are in demand in a variety of corporate, educational and media setups. These include:
Embassies & Diplomatic missions
Cultural Organisations
Educational Organisations
Corporate houses (especially MNC?s)
Export houses
Travel & Tourism Industry
Publishing houses
Dot com companies
Print & Online Media
NGOs
Government Departments
Interpreters
Interpreters largely work with the following organizations:
Embassies & Diplomatic Missions
Travel & Tourism Industry (as tour guides)
Corporate setups (meeting, conferences, seminars etc)
Cultural Organisations
Multinational Corporations
Job Prospects
Career growth
Globalization in general and the liberalization of the Indian economy in particular has created tremendous opportunities for language professionals. The need for language professionals (primarily in the case of foreign languages) has grown dramatically over the last decade. This rapid growth is a clear sign of things to come. The explosion of the Internet has further bridged the gap between countries and languages. A number of translators now work online never having met their employers! Translation and interpretation are potential areas for part time job seekers also. A number of college students in Chennai, for instance, train Koreans (employees of Hyundai and their families) in English language.
Freelance vs. Full-time
Translators & interpreters have the option of working on a freelance basis. A large number juggle both translation & interpretation. They take up assignments on a contract basis. Translators are paid by the page for the work done while interpreters work on an hourly basis.
The option to work full time also exists. Full time jobs are available with educational institutions, corporate houses and embassies.
Remuneration
Translators are usually paid by per page of translated material. For translations to and from common Indian and foreign languages, the rates vary from Rs. 200-400 per page. In the case of complex languages (such as Arabic and Japanese) translators charge up to Rs. 750 per page. Technical translators charge more.
Interpreters are paid by the hour. They charge between Rs. 250 and Rs. 750 per hour depending on the language concerned and the nature of the work (tour guides charge less than corporate translators).
Diversification
Translators and interpreters can diversify into the following areas of work:
Print and online journalism
Web content development
Language teaching
Transcription
Copywriting
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