Job Description:
Careers for which ‘languages’ are a primary skill include those of interpreters, translators and teachers. An interpreter changes spoken words from one language to another. An interpreter may do either ‘simultaneous’ or ‘consecutive’ interpretation. Simultaneous interpreters communicate the meaning of a speech, often on a complicated subject, almost instantaneously. In consecutive interpretation the speaker halts a number of times in between the speech and the interpreter interprets the spoken statements to the audience. Then there are business and specialist interpreters whose skills are required for example when receiving trade delegations, negotiating international contracts and at trade fairs. General interpreters are accredited guides, who need a good grounding in history and work for travel agencies, airlines etc.

Translators translate books, scripts, articles etc. Such translations bring out the essence of the script or the article and are not just literal translation. Translators working in specific areas require specialist knowledge on the subject. They often have to discuss phrases and technical jargon with engineers, scientists, and lawyers etc. to get the accurate meaning.

Teaching is another avenue open for those opting for a career in languages. Here the task of the teacher would involve teaching the students in a way that would make them adept, both in written and spoken, use of that particular language.

Educational Qualification:
Certificate/Diploma of Integrated Course in Foreign Languages

Opening:
In large number of conferences, interpreters are employed by international agencies. Some also work as freelancers and are hired for a particular conference, seminar or other such events involving international participation. General interpreters get opportunities as guides in hotels and travel agencies. Business and specialist interpreters are employed by business organizations and foreign embassies.

Industries, government, and international organizations employ Translators. The Indian National Scientific Documentation Centrex employs full time and part time translators for many languages. Translators also work as free lancers and most often the job is task specific.

Those who are specialists in a particular language can opt for teaching. A career in teaching would require formal training in the language.