There are two types of translators: textual translators, who work with written documents, and interpreters, who listen and translate a voice as it is being spoken.
They must thoroughly understand the subject matter in which they work, so they are able to convert information from one language, known as the source language, into another, the target language. In addition, they must remain sensitive to the cultures associated with their languages of expertise.
Those seeking the greatest opportunities for employment should be fluent in English and in one of the official languages of the United Nations: French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese. There are, however, numerous job opportunities for those possessing fluency in other languages. Applicants should have a language degree, preferably a bachelor's or master's degree.
Interpreters work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, courtrooms, conference centers and schools for the deaf. They must be willing to travel to the site - whether it is a neighboring town or the other side of the world - where their services are needed.
Because many interpreters and translators free-lance their services, their schedules are often erratic, with extensive periods of no work interspersed with periods requiring long, irregular hours. In addition, free-lancers must manage their own finances. Payment for their services may not always be prompt.
The average annual salary for a typical translator in the United States is $38,361. However, free-lance interpreters usually earn an hourly rate, whereas translators who free-lance typically earn a rate per word or per hour.
Sources: The Princeton Review (princetonreview.com); U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov); salary.com.
[Last modified February 8, 2005, 13:51:39]