Interpreters change spoken words from one language into another, either face-to-face or remotely. On a day to day basis an interpreter may work at national and international conferences, lectures and meetings, listen to a speaker through headphones in a soundproof booth, interpret speeches at the same time as the speaker through a microphone and headset interpret for people using legal, health and local government services, check their understanding after each sentence, interpret at short notice for emergency medical or police interviews and much more. 

You may carry out interpreting in person or by telephone, video conferencing and internet-based technologies (remote interpreting). Interpreting can be done in different ways:

• simultaneous interpretation (SI) - you'll typically sit in a soundproof booth and immediately convert what's being said. Listeners hear the interpretation though an earpiece while the speaker is still speaking. Bilingual booths are used at many large conferences. A variation of this is chuchotage (whispered interpretation), where you will sit near one person or a small group and interpret straight into their ear as the speaker carries on. This may be used at formal dinners, business meetings or political settings.

• consecutive interpretation (CI) - you'll listen to the speaker talking for typically five minutes or more (possibly up to 30 minutes) and then interpret what's been said into the target language. You may need to take notes to help during long speeches. This is mainly used in smaller meetings such as business meetings, training and presentations.

• liaison interpretation - also known as ad hoc and relay, you'll typically interpret into and out of the target language a few phrases at a time. You may also use chuchotage in one-to-one situations. Liaison interpretation is common in public service interpreting and at smaller meetings or negotiations.

• sign language interpretation - you'll convert spoken statements into sign language and vice versa. Interpreting from one sign language to another is also an option. Sign language interpreting is usually simultaneous and you'll typically take turns with other interpreters of about 30 minutes each, as this method demands such high levels of concentration.

There are three main areas of interpreting:

• conference - where simultaneous interpreting is the main form of interpretation used. You could work in-house for a large international organisation or as a freelancer working within large international conferences and events, European council meetings, political events, lectures and trade fairs.

• business - smaller functions such as company meetings, negotiations, business discussions, training, business/factory tours, or formal dinners. This work could be undertaken by either conference or public service interpreters.

• public service interpreting (PSI) - includes the criminal justice system, police and probation service interviews, court hearings, solicitor interviews, arbitration hearings, immigration tribunals and local government meetings. PSI can also include community assignments within social services, housing, work, health and education.

The main route to get this role is:

• A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas. 

• Volunteering- you can find unpaid or paid volunteering opportunities through local councils and organisations offering community interpreting services.

• Applying directly-  you can apply for aerospace engineering jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience.

• Specialist courses run by a professional body- to help you to get a job in public service interpreting, you can take a Chartered Institute of Linguists course.

As well as being fluent in two or more languages, you're expected to have a relevant qualification either at a degree level or, preferably, at a Masters level.

Undergraduate degrees that help to demonstrate your skills and knowledge include:

• interpreting and translation

• modern languages

• British Sign Language (BSL) and interpreting

• deaf studies.

An MA in Interpreting is available and many employers will look for this qualification particularly in conference interpreting. If you want to work within the public sector, the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI), or an MA in public service interpreting is usually needed.

Some universities that offer relevant postgraduate qualifications are Corporate Education Members of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI)

For more information : https://www.iti.org.uk/starting-out/universities-and-courses.html

To work as a sign language interpreter, you'll usually need as a minimum a level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting, or a postgraduate degree in interpreting or translation. To join the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People (NRCPD), you must complete one of their approved courses.

For more information : https://www.nrcpd.org.uk/approved-courses

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Taken from prospects 2024