Today, we'll have a look at the oral counterpart of the translators, the interpreters.
Interpreter
Description
Where the translator focuses on the written word, the interpreter focuses on the spoken word. There are two different kinds of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous. Simultaneous interpreting is the more difficult part because the interpreter has to start talking before the other person has finished the sentence. Consecutive interpreters, on the other hand, wait till the speaker has finished and start talking then.
Necessary Skills
Interpreters need to be truly fluent in the language pairs they offer. They don't have a chance to look up words or phrases, and they often work in situations where misunderstandings should be avoided by all means (that's why they pay interpreters instead of trying out their own language skills, after all). Interpreting is a skill which demands an extraordinarily high amount of concentration and is very exhausting. Thus, interpreters have to be able to concentrate and to work under high pressure. They should be able to understand a variety of different accents in their language pairs as well since they need to be able to understand spoken language from a variety of clients. Furthermore, interpreters need to know about the cultures behind their languages, and they must be sure within the field of expertise they are working in.
Income Opportunities
Good interpreters can earn well with their skills, especially since the world is becoming more and more international. However, most interpreters work as freelancers which means they might not be able to find enough work that pays well every month. They live with the same risks as every other freelancer, just with the difference that their jobs are usually paid at a high rate.
Where to Find Jobs
Many interpreters work as freelancers. Their clients are international businesses, organisations, courts, public persons like politicians and singers, TV channels and governments. And, of course, translation and interpreting agencies who bring clients and language professionals together. Some interpreters may be lucky to find a "normal" employment, especially with governmental institutions.
Language ... the bridge of communication, the magic creator of worlds, the brush and paint of authors. Language is magic. It gives us power. It is something you just have to love.
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
Monday, 13 June 2011
Language Course Idea...
...Or How My Muse Kept Me from Sleeping
Ok, I was lying in bed, deadly tired and glad to be able to drift to sleep after a busy day. My mind was still buzzing so I tried to relax. Well...some minutes later, I jumped out of my bed, switched on the light, grabbed notebook and pen and started scribbling something down. What had happened?
While I was trying to relax and shake off the day, my muse whispered a brilliant idea for a language course into my ear. Of course, I couldn't just ignore her and drift off to sleep... No, the idea required to be written down that very instant! And, quite honestly, I was afraid I might forget it over night... So I spent another maybe half hour scribbling down the beginning and some more notes before I finally turned off the light again and lay down once more. That second attempt to relax and find some sleep was successful, thank god, but due to my muse's nightly visit, I slept longer than I had planned the next day.
Well, you ask why I'm telling you all this here on Language Love? Guess to hold myself accountable...
Yes, I had a great idea for a language course, and yes, I will start writing it, and yes, I will get it done in a reasonable amount of time instead of procrastinating!
And I hope all of you keep bugging me about it...
Ok, sorry for the short post today, but I'm busy writing a language course...I will definitely keep you updated about it!
P.S.: On Saturday, a guest post from me was published on Farah Evers's new blog about culture...I've written about my culture clash in America. Be sure to check it out too!
Ok, I was lying in bed, deadly tired and glad to be able to drift to sleep after a busy day. My mind was still buzzing so I tried to relax. Well...some minutes later, I jumped out of my bed, switched on the light, grabbed notebook and pen and started scribbling something down. What had happened?
While I was trying to relax and shake off the day, my muse whispered a brilliant idea for a language course into my ear. Of course, I couldn't just ignore her and drift off to sleep... No, the idea required to be written down that very instant! And, quite honestly, I was afraid I might forget it over night... So I spent another maybe half hour scribbling down the beginning and some more notes before I finally turned off the light again and lay down once more. That second attempt to relax and find some sleep was successful, thank god, but due to my muse's nightly visit, I slept longer than I had planned the next day.
Well, you ask why I'm telling you all this here on Language Love? Guess to hold myself accountable...
Yes, I had a great idea for a language course, and yes, I will start writing it, and yes, I will get it done in a reasonable amount of time instead of procrastinating!
And I hope all of you keep bugging me about it...
Ok, sorry for the short post today, but I'm busy writing a language course...I will definitely keep you updated about it!
P.S.: On Saturday, a guest post from me was published on Farah Evers's new blog about culture...I've written about my culture clash in America. Be sure to check it out too!
Saturday, 11 June 2011
My Two Cents ... XIX
Today's phrase is
"to put on airs"
What does it mean?
If someone puts on airs, he acts superior to his position. Formerly, it was especially used to describe someone who acted like someone from a superior social class.
Where does it come from?
The phrase is first mentioned in 1781. The connotation of manner and appearance of the word "air" is likely derived from the French word "air".
My two cents:
I like "old-fashioned" words and phrases like this one and relish the fact that my beloved crime novels set in Victorian England are a constant source of new words and phrases of this kind.
"to put on airs"
What does it mean?
If someone puts on airs, he acts superior to his position. Formerly, it was especially used to describe someone who acted like someone from a superior social class.
Where does it come from?
The phrase is first mentioned in 1781. The connotation of manner and appearance of the word "air" is likely derived from the French word "air".
My two cents:
I like "old-fashioned" words and phrases like this one and relish the fact that my beloved crime novels set in Victorian England are a constant source of new words and phrases of this kind.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Language Jobs - Translator
I thought I'd start another short series of blog posts for you guys. This time, I want to talk about jobs that have to do with language(s).
Even when I was still in high school, I knew that I want to work with languages. However, which options are out there for language lovers?
Translator
Description
Translators have to do with written language only. Their job is to take a source text in one language and to write it down in another language, the target language. They can use dictionaries, gramar books and other references to help them with their work.
Necessary Skills
Translators need to have good command (especially passive knowledge) of their source language and be fluent in their target language, with safe command of spelling, punctuation and grammar. They should have had some kind of training in translation skills since translating is more than just putting words from one language into another language. A good translation cannot be recognised as such. The translation should ideally sound natural. A rule of thumb when translating: Stay as close to the source text as possible but stray as far from it as necessary. The wording may be changed in order to get a natural text, but both the style and the content must absolutely stay the same.
In addition to sound language skills, translators should be able to use dictionaries, grammar books and other resources for their text work. Sometimes, they even need to do some amount of research so good translators need to be able to research facts too.
Translating requires a high degree of concentration, often for several hours per day, and has to be done under deadline pressure most of the time.
Income Opportunities
Since most translators work as freelancers, their income varies greatly. In general, however, translators belong to those groups of freelancers who are paid less than they are worth. Translating is a high concentration job; nonetheless, many freelance translators couldn't live off their income, at least not with translating alone. The few translators who manage to get a "normal" employment usually are able to command quite a good income.
Where to Find Jobs
Most translating jobs are outsourced to freelancers. That said, it is very hard to find normal employment as translator. Most of those jobs can be found with government or non-profit organisations. Sometimes, big companies employ their own in-house translators too.
Freelancers can find work by querying companies and publishers directly. They can also work for translation agencies, although those usually pay considerably less than direct clients. Then, there are websites like www.translatorscafe.com and www.proz.com where translating jobs are offered. However, most jobs on those sites are underpaid or have impossible deadlines so it takes some time and patience to find interesting jobs.
Even when I was still in high school, I knew that I want to work with languages. However, which options are out there for language lovers?
Translator
Description
Translators have to do with written language only. Their job is to take a source text in one language and to write it down in another language, the target language. They can use dictionaries, gramar books and other references to help them with their work.
Necessary Skills
Translators need to have good command (especially passive knowledge) of their source language and be fluent in their target language, with safe command of spelling, punctuation and grammar. They should have had some kind of training in translation skills since translating is more than just putting words from one language into another language. A good translation cannot be recognised as such. The translation should ideally sound natural. A rule of thumb when translating: Stay as close to the source text as possible but stray as far from it as necessary. The wording may be changed in order to get a natural text, but both the style and the content must absolutely stay the same.
In addition to sound language skills, translators should be able to use dictionaries, grammar books and other resources for their text work. Sometimes, they even need to do some amount of research so good translators need to be able to research facts too.
Translating requires a high degree of concentration, often for several hours per day, and has to be done under deadline pressure most of the time.
Income Opportunities
Since most translators work as freelancers, their income varies greatly. In general, however, translators belong to those groups of freelancers who are paid less than they are worth. Translating is a high concentration job; nonetheless, many freelance translators couldn't live off their income, at least not with translating alone. The few translators who manage to get a "normal" employment usually are able to command quite a good income.
Where to Find Jobs
Most translating jobs are outsourced to freelancers. That said, it is very hard to find normal employment as translator. Most of those jobs can be found with government or non-profit organisations. Sometimes, big companies employ their own in-house translators too.
Freelancers can find work by querying companies and publishers directly. They can also work for translation agencies, although those usually pay considerably less than direct clients. Then, there are websites like www.translatorscafe.com and www.proz.com where translating jobs are offered. However, most jobs on those sites are underpaid or have impossible deadlines so it takes some time and patience to find interesting jobs.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Summer and Languages...
Do you know where I refresh my Italian, especially in summer? Right, in my favourite café! It's an Italian café and most of the waiters are from Italy. Whenever I'm there, I try to speak only Italian with them (and sometimes even ask if I don't know a certain word, to be able to use it the next time...). They remember me, and no one bothers if I sit there for hours with only one cup of cappuccino, writing away. They don't disturb me. I don't get annoyed or angry stares, no "reminders" to order something more...it's one of my safe heavens for writing with pen and paper.
So, I don't know whether it's because I speak Italian with them or because they just don't mind people spending a lot of time there, but it's my favourite café for several reasons.
First, the obvious: I can actually use (and refresh) my Italian skills, even though the variety of words I need isn't exactly great...
Second, I have a nice place for writing by hand, with no internet or whatever to disturb me but lots of inspiration around me.
Third, the waiters are a friendly bunch over there.
Fourth, they just have some great cappuccino and yummy ice cream...
I actually have two "writing heavens" in my hometown. The second one is a bakery, but I don't get the extra of refreshing some language skills there.
Why am I writing about all this? Well, have you ever looked around and thought about the many different nationalities you can find close by? Why don't you just try to say a few sentences in your waiter's native language the next time you order? Or, if you don't yet know how, just ask him for the words...it's fun, and will most likely get you a smile and some nice memories apart from the food and drinks.
So, please share some of your "summer and language" memories in the comments section for us all to enjoy!
So, I don't know whether it's because I speak Italian with them or because they just don't mind people spending a lot of time there, but it's my favourite café for several reasons.
First, the obvious: I can actually use (and refresh) my Italian skills, even though the variety of words I need isn't exactly great...
Second, I have a nice place for writing by hand, with no internet or whatever to disturb me but lots of inspiration around me.
Third, the waiters are a friendly bunch over there.
Fourth, they just have some great cappuccino and yummy ice cream...
I actually have two "writing heavens" in my hometown. The second one is a bakery, but I don't get the extra of refreshing some language skills there.
Why am I writing about all this? Well, have you ever looked around and thought about the many different nationalities you can find close by? Why don't you just try to say a few sentences in your waiter's native language the next time you order? Or, if you don't yet know how, just ask him for the words...it's fun, and will most likely get you a smile and some nice memories apart from the food and drinks.
So, please share some of your "summer and language" memories in the comments section for us all to enjoy!
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Word of the Week ... VIII
This week's Word of the Week is something every writer knows:
"procrastination (to procrastinate)"
It originates from the Latin word "procrastinationem" which means "to putt off till tomorrow" and first found its way into the English language around 1540.
Meaning: Procrastination means the "skill" of delaying things, of putting them off. It is usually through other, less important stuff, like playing games or checking emails every five minutes.
Example: She is a master of procrastination. Her deadline is tomorrow but she still wastes her time playing Bejeweled on Facebook...
Ok, now: Calling especially my many writing colleagues: Give me another example for this our so well-known skill!
"procrastination (to procrastinate)"
It originates from the Latin word "procrastinationem" which means "to putt off till tomorrow" and first found its way into the English language around 1540.
Meaning: Procrastination means the "skill" of delaying things, of putting them off. It is usually through other, less important stuff, like playing games or checking emails every five minutes.
Example: She is a master of procrastination. Her deadline is tomorrow but she still wastes her time playing Bejeweled on Facebook...
Ok, now: Calling especially my many writing colleagues: Give me another example for this our so well-known skill!
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Living with Two Languages in Your Head - Bilingualism
I am bilingual.
What does that sentence mean? Does it mean that you grew up with two languages? Or that you learned a second language you now speak fairly well?
For me, it means that I live with two languages inside my head. I think, dream and live in two languages instead of one. I speak more than two languages but only German and English are a part of my everyday life (and I'm not talking about work or reading but, really, inside my head).
Random thoughts might be in either German or English, without any logic or connection to the thought itself. I even sometimes remember conversations I had in one language - in the other language. Yep, I might remember a conversation I had with some American friends, and in my head, in that moment, the conversation is in fluent German. Or, I remember a conversation with one of my German friends in fluent English. It's weird; when I become aware of the fact that the languages have crossed yet again, it always leaves me scratching my head.
I might even switch languages in the middle of a conversation without noticing if my mind is occupied by something else (usually something in the other language). However, I'm still waiting for my first dream with subtitles. Chinese with English subtitles would be nice; I love the sound of the Chinese language but would need subtitles in another language to actually understand what's happening since my Chinese skills aren't good enough for that yet.
You might think having two languages to resort to would never leave me at a loss of words? Hah! I tell you...granted, if I only remember the word I'm looking for in the other language, I can look it up in a dictionary, but usually, I can't remember it in either language. Or, I'm talking in one language and know a word from the other language that fits exactly but can't think of a suitable translation/subsitute in the language I'm talking in...that's great if the other person is bilingual too but most of my friends would give me weird stares if I just switched languages in mid-sentence...
Being truly bilingual, be it through growing up with two languages or studies at a later point, definitely brings more advantages than disadvantages. Even though I might confuse or mix German and English every now and then, I would never want to be monolingual again.
What does that sentence mean? Does it mean that you grew up with two languages? Or that you learned a second language you now speak fairly well?
For me, it means that I live with two languages inside my head. I think, dream and live in two languages instead of one. I speak more than two languages but only German and English are a part of my everyday life (and I'm not talking about work or reading but, really, inside my head).
Random thoughts might be in either German or English, without any logic or connection to the thought itself. I even sometimes remember conversations I had in one language - in the other language. Yep, I might remember a conversation I had with some American friends, and in my head, in that moment, the conversation is in fluent German. Or, I remember a conversation with one of my German friends in fluent English. It's weird; when I become aware of the fact that the languages have crossed yet again, it always leaves me scratching my head.
I might even switch languages in the middle of a conversation without noticing if my mind is occupied by something else (usually something in the other language). However, I'm still waiting for my first dream with subtitles. Chinese with English subtitles would be nice; I love the sound of the Chinese language but would need subtitles in another language to actually understand what's happening since my Chinese skills aren't good enough for that yet.
You might think having two languages to resort to would never leave me at a loss of words? Hah! I tell you...granted, if I only remember the word I'm looking for in the other language, I can look it up in a dictionary, but usually, I can't remember it in either language. Or, I'm talking in one language and know a word from the other language that fits exactly but can't think of a suitable translation/subsitute in the language I'm talking in...that's great if the other person is bilingual too but most of my friends would give me weird stares if I just switched languages in mid-sentence...
Being truly bilingual, be it through growing up with two languages or studies at a later point, definitely brings more advantages than disadvantages. Even though I might confuse or mix German and English every now and then, I would never want to be monolingual again.
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