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Interpreter

Interpreters convert speech in one language to another, while translators perform a similar function with written text.

According to the SIL ethnologue there are 6,909 ‘mother tongues’ in use in the world today.

Interpreter job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Interpretation may be consecutive (after the speaker has finished) or simultaneous (while they are still talking).

Typical responsibilities include:

reading documents and papers
writing summaries
listening carefully
comprehending languages
memorising speeches
accurate and succinct reproduction in the specified language.

The work involves a considerable amount of travel and your hours will be organised to suit your client.

Typical employers of interpreters

Translation and interpretation agencies
multi-national businesses
news services
The European Commission
The Civil Service
international bodies such as The United Nations.

Most interpreters work freelance via agencies or accredited lists used by the European Union and The Civil Service, although it can be difficult to become established.

Most positions occur in major international cities including London, New York, Paris, and Brussels, and attract competition. Advertisements appear in newspapers and publications such as The Official Journal of the European Communities, The Linguist, Language Monthly and Language International. Directories and members lists published by professional institutions can provide useful contact information for networking and speculative applications.

Qualifications and training required

A good degree in any subject (particularly languages) and proficiency in two or more foreign languages are normally the minimum entrance requirements. A postgraduate interpreting qualification is also frequently necessary. Areas of expertise, such as scientific, economic, technical or legal knowledge can be beneficial, as can fluency in minority and high demand languages. Practical translation or interpretation work or an EU Stage is useful, although not essential.