Trying to figure out what to do with your future? Have several options in mind but nothing that really excites you?If you have a talent for languages then translation would be perfect for you!
Learning languages is probably the best thing you can do in life, even if you don’t choose it as a career.
Did you ever take the time to consider how our world would be if we were only able to speak our mother tongue (native language)?… That’s right! It wouldn’t be a fun place to live in! Plus, it would make communicating almost non existent!
Translation is more than just a profession, it’s a way of living! People who do speak more than one language find the fact of communicating with people from foreign countries extremely fulfilling!
What is Translation?
Let’s start with the basics!
As a broader term, translating means being able to convey a meaning from one language to another.
But let’s get more technical!
Translation is the process of communicating the meaning of written word from one language into another. Ideally and ethically, a translator should be doing this from a foreign language (language B) into his native language (language A) and not the other way around.
Interpretation is the process of communicating the meaning of spoken word simultaneously from one language into another. Again, an interpreter should be doing this from a foreign language into his native one.
Professional interpretation is very difficult and is actually considered one of the most stressful jobs in the world!
It is! But.. that’s why it’s also one of the highest paid jobs!
What can you do as a Translator?
Anything you can imagine! Knowing more than one or two languages opens many doors for you!
Work as a copywriter if you also have a creative mind.
A translator can learn anything.. You can build anything you choose on top of your languages!
How many languages should I learn?
The more the merrier right? You can be a translator with only one extra language or you can go as far as 7 or 8!
People who become translators or interpreters usually realize it from a very young age and they easily learn or are eager to learn foreign languages.
Which languages are considered a must?
It really depends on your location, for example an American whose native language is English will probably learn Spanish (Latin American) just because of the proximity of Latin American countries and the possible need of Spanish translators.
In general though, the following are considered popular languages based on demand:
English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, Russian, Arabic and Greek.
Of course, as mentioned before, options may vary from one country to the other.