Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Career of the Day: Interpreter

Interpreters convert information from one spoken language into another—or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken language and sign language. Interpreters must usually be fluent speakers or signers of both languages because they communicate back and forth among the people who do not share each other's language. Simultaneous interpreting requires interpreters to listen or watch and speak or sign at the same time someone is speaking or signing. Simultaneous interpreting requires a high level of concentration. Simultaneous interpreters are often familiar with the subject matter so they can anticipate the end of a speaker's sentences. In contrast, consecutive interpreting begins only after the speaker has said or signed a group of words or sentences. Although interpreters and translators typically need a bachelor’s degree, the most important requirement is that they be fluent in English and at least one other language.