A translator is a profession that has long been very prestigious and in demand. Mention of the very first representatives of this specialty dates back to Ancient Egypt. Even then, the translators were its honorary inhabitants. Their services were especially in demand in Ancient Greece, which was in close contact with the states of the East. If not for their knowledge of languages, then perhaps some of the books of the Bible did not reach our time. Indeed, almost the entire Old Testament has been preserved exclusively in the Greek translation. In ancient Russia, translator monks were engaged in translations, who were considered quite educated people. Now the demand for translation services is quite large, and knowledge of a foreign language is the key to rapid career growth and high salaries. But any profession has a downside. So, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this specialty and talk about the main areas of activity.
Advantages of the profession of translator
At the moment, approximately 70% of job vacancies in the labor market require the applicant to know a foreign language with at least a dictionary. What can we say about translators! A linguist translator who has graduated from a university must be fluent in two foreign languages (this is a minimum). According to the rector of one of the capital's language universities, 95% of its graduates are in demand. Moreover, many make an excellent career in government. Another 5% are graduates and graduate students who continued their education abroad, as well as girls who went on maternity leave.
In general, there are now many areas where a translator (from Russian into English, etc.) can realize himself. This is the field of advertising, and journalism, and PR, and the tourism business. And, of course, a translation agency. Also, a high demand for the services of these specialists is observed in large publishing houses. This is not surprising, because for 5 years of study, in addition to linguistic, the translator receives a philological education.
Bright prospects open in the business sphere. Language managers appreciate much more. In addition, to pass the competition to a foreign company requires perfect knowledge of the language. Salaries in such firms are very high. Well, as a bonus, there is the provision of better medical care and a significant social package.
Cons of the profession of translator
To begin with, getting a linguistic education is not an easy task. 30 people per place - such is the competition for the faculty at a prestigious university. In addition, both admission and training require considerable financial resources. High school does not provide the necessary level of knowledge, so parents have to hire a tutor for their children. And this is about 10-15 dollars per hour. University professors and professors take 4-5 times more. In order to gain a good language base for entering a university, one must study for two years at least a couple of times a week. Not all parents can afford this luxury.
The most difficult exam at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Moscow State University. In addition to the oral and written exams, you must pass the listening. This is only for applicants who communicate with native speakers in the respective country. All this also needs money. As an option, you can immediately go for paid tuition, the prices for which vary from $ 1,500 to $ 5,000 (depending on the faculty). But even in order to get paid education, you need to score the right amount of points.
The easiest way to master the specialty of “translator” (the history of the profession was briefly mentioned at the beginning of the article) is to study at a paid university. So you can save both nerves and money. But very few employers recognize commercial institutes. For reputable companies need solid diplomas.
Another minus relates directly to professional activities after graduation. There are low-grade translation agencies that are in serious competition with highly qualified employees. Only a professional can check the “knowledge” of profane people, but not every customer has it. Pseudo-translators charge little money for their services. As a result, the painstaking and intellectual work of real professionals is greatly reduced in price.
Specialty
A modern translator is a profession that includes such specialties as:
- intercultural communication and linguistics;
- translation studies and translation;
- methods of teaching languages and cultures;
- foreign language.
Intercultural Communication and Linguistics
Pretty broad specialization. Suitable for applicants planning to study foreign languages, but not yet confident in the desire to receive a specialty "translator". Profession in English obliges to speak anyone who masters this specialty.
A linguist is a person who studies the structure of a language and its characteristics. This specialty is very close to the profession of a philologist who knows the factors that determine the development and formation of the language: customs, traditions, and literature of the native people.
Very often linguists are engaged in research and science. They are also in demand in companies developing linguistic software (speech recognition programs, automatic translation, word processing). Many representatives of this profession create various computer dictionaries, reference books, encyclopedias and websites on the Internet.
Translation Studies and Translation
The emphasis is on the methodology and technique of translation. Students will be taught technical, artistic, oral, consecutive translations, the work of a simultaneous interpreter, etc. It is difficult to talk about the types of translation within the same article, so just say that specialists in this field are very in demand. And the highest salaries are received either by highly specialized workers or highly qualified translators.
Methods of teaching languages and cultures
Qualifications obtained - teacher, linguist. This is an option for those who have not yet decided on their future job.
In the curriculum, the history and traditions of the host country are studied in detail, as well as linguistic features, pronunciation options and methodology. With the amount of knowledge gained, you can stay to teach at the institute or get a job at any other university.
Acquaintance with culture and language training are two areas in which a translator is trained. The profession of this profile has its drawbacks: the graduate learns only one language. The second one can also be studied, but already for a fee.
Foreign language
This specialty is in all pedagogical universities. A graduate does not qualify as a "translator" (from Russian into English and vice versa), but as a "teacher." Suitable for future high school teachers . The curriculum for students includes: age and child psychology, pedagogy and teaching methods. Upon graduation, the student will know two languages. But you need to understand that education is one thing, and vocation is another. And, as statistics show, 90% of graduates do not go to school, and there are still not enough teachers.
Conclusion
So, we found out that the translator is a profession in demand, and if you decide to master it, then do not give up the goal. This specialty will always feed you, regardless of the economic situation in the country. However, current trends show that in order to earn money not only for food, you should apply your knowledge of a foreign language in other professions (become a journalist, political scientist, economist, lawyer).