Linguist translators need good second language skills and often study foreign languages in high school and college. They must have knowledge of grammar and word processing systems. Some specialize in translating historical records and ancient texts. They may need to gain experience in hospitality or work as unpaid volunteers. Industry associations administer exams for linguists, and employers require passing grades.
Someone who wants to become a linguist translator must have good second language skills and many linguists study at least one foreign language during high school. Additionally, many linguists study languages in college or enroll in short courses offered by community colleges. Translators often need to translate written documents; in that case, these individuals should have a good knowledge of grammar and some familiarity with commonly used word processing systems.
Many linguists take undergraduate courses in a foreign language, where they are taught to read, write and communicate in another language. While most linguists are tasked with translating recent statements or documents, some people specialize in translating historical records and ancient texts. As languages change over time, people involved in translating documents written in ancient texts often take postgraduate programs, during which students are taught about a specific language in its ancient rather than current form. While many college students focus on learning a single language, some universities offer dual honors programs, although these courses often involve students learning languages that are closely related.
Someone who wants to become a linguist translator may have to enroll in short courses at a community college where word processing and office skills are taught. Linguists must be able to translate material quickly and efficiently, and some employers require translators to pass typing exams, during which a candidate’s ability to produce error-free material is put to the test. Also, linguists employed by travel companies and transportation companies need to have good customer service skills. Therefore, someone who wants to become a linguist translator may have to gain some experience working in the hospitality field at a resort or hotel.
Many translators are self-employed who work for clients on a contractual basis, while other employers, including government agencies, employ full-time translators, but most companies require both in-house and contract linguists to have previous work experience. Some who want to become a linguist translator can gain experience by working as an unpaid volunteer. Many people volunteer to work for aid agencies to gain experience using foreign languages on a daily basis.
In some countries, industry associations administer exams for linguists. Many employers require prospective translators to meet certain passing grades. These exams test a candidate’s knowledge of the language as well as their ability to interpret the meaning of documents when the texts cannot be translated accurately. People who fail to pass these tests sometimes become linguists in their own right for private clients who are not concerned about the accuracy of translations.
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