Careers that Require a Second Language |
Posted: January 26, 2017 |
If you love the thought of learning a new language or you enjoyed studying French or Spanish in high school, you may enjoy the idea of working in a career that requires a second language. Here are some options if you are considering a career change or even a first career using a second language.
Interpretation
One of the most common career options for anyone who speaks a second language is becoming an interpreter. This person interprets one language and translates it into a second language for businesses, at hospitals and in meetings.
This category is broken down into two subcategories: continuous and simultaneous. Continuous interpretation requires the interpreter to hear what is being said and then translate it to the second language while the speaker takes a pause. With simultaneous interpretation, the translator speaks while listening to what the speaker is saying. This second type of interpretation is complex and often requires a seasoned professional.
Translation
Similar to interpretation, instead of speaking the second language, the person translates written material, such as business reports, legal documents and even websites. Many translators start out as generalists and then move on to specialization. You may not need to be exceptional in the second language, but you must exhibit fluency. You must also be able to read the written language well and understand technical terms.
A translator may use specialized software and other special reference materials for the terms they may not be as familiar with. Pay is usually made per word for this job, and there is often a deadline that the translator must meet.
Teaching a Foreign Language
Teaching a second language works one of two ways. You may teach people who speak your same native tongue a second language, or you may teach people with another native language how to speak your language. For instance, you may work in a language school in Toronto and teach others how to speak English.
If you are teaching a foreign language, you will need to be proficient in that tongue. If you are teaching others your native tongue, you will need at least a basic knowledge of the second language to communicate with your students.
Linguistics If you enjoy the details of a language, you may enjoy a career in this field. Linguistics is a study of language, and it includes many areas of specialization. For instance, you may focus on phonetics, which is the study of the actual sounds of a language. Another area is syntax, which tells about the rules of language or semantics, which focuses on the meaning of words.
You’ll find careers in education, research organizations, the military and government as well as high tech companies. It may be combined with other careers, such as psychology, math, philosophy and genetics.
If you love language, you have many choices for a career. To start, take a language class online or in person to see how much you enjoy learning and speaking two languages. Once you build your skills with a second language, you can decide which direction you want to go.
Berlitz provides language learning in Toronto with private or group lessons. English and French classes and courses allow students to learn a new language in 10 days.
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