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Interpreters Translators Languages Deal Work Taking Transportation People

Id ESLPod_0035_CN
Episode Id ESLPod 35
Episode Title Taking Public Transportation
Title Interpreters and Translators
Text

Interpreters and translators help people who don't speak each other's languages to communicate. Although some people do both, interpreting and translating are different "professions" (jobs; careers). Interpreters deal with spoken language, and translators deal with written language.

Interpreters work in "settings" (places) such as schools, hospitals, "courtrooms" (place where a judge or a jury decides a legal question), and "conference centers" (place where large meetings are held). "Simultaneous interpreting" can be stressful, as the interpreter must keep up with the speaker, who may not know to slow down when an interpreter is "present" (there).

Translators typically work from home. These days, they often receive and submit their work "electronically" (using the computer). They must sometimes deal with the pressure of "deadlines" (date/time when something must be done by) and "tight" (with short amounts of time to complete something) schedules.

Although interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor's degree, the most important requirement is that they be "fluent" (able to speak well) two or more languages. It is not necessary for interpreters and translators to have been "raised" (grow up as children) in two languages to succeed in these jobs, but many grew up communicating in both languages in which they work.

Anyone interested in becoming an interpreter or translator should begin in high school by taking foreign languages and becoming "proficient" (capable; have the skills to do well) on computers. Many "prospective" (expecting or wanting to be in the future) foreign-language interpreters and translators spend time "abroad" (outside of one's own country), getting direct contact with foreign cultures, and reading "extensively" (a lot; widely) on a variety of subjects related to languages.

There is currently no "universal" (used by everyone, everywhere) "certification" (official process for qualifying to do something) required of interpreters and translators. However, interpreters and translators can take a variety of tests that show proficiency. For example, the American Translators Association provides certification for its members in 24 language "combinations" (putting together of two or more things) involving English.

Topics Transportation

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