Don’t be Tongue-tied
Usha Albuquerque

As the world becomes a global village and interaction within and amongst countries increases, the need for understanding people who speak different languages is growing. Earlier, learning a language was more of a hobby. But today, individuals proficient in more than one language can use it to their advantage, both personally and professionally. And while for many decades, the focus of international business and trade was on the western world, languages such as French and German were increasingly used. However, of late, it is South-East Asia that is becoming increasingly important; Japanese and Korean companies are investing in India in larger numbers and, therefore, there is a growing need for communication in these languages too.

Language skills on their own are of very little value. What matters is the framework of technical, professional or practical skills within which a person can apply a language. There are very few careers for which languages are the primary skill required, but for a growing number of careers, the knowledge of an additional language is a useful, and sometimes essential, secondary skill.

Fluency in a language may be a primary skill for those working in embassies, teachers or interpreters, particularly conference interpreters. At international conferences, interpreters may be required to do ‘simultaneous’ interpretation, where the meaning of a speech, often on complicated subjects, is relayed almost instantaneously.

Interpreter of opportunities

Interpreter skills are also required in trade and business activities, for handling trade delegations, negotiating international contracts and at trade fairs. Some of these interpreters may need specialist knowledge (such as engineering, economics, information technology, computing or physical science).

A large number of general interpreters work as tourist guides, in travel agencies, airlines etc. These general interpreters need a considerable amount of historical knowledge too.

Those with languages skills can also become translators, and be able to translate idiomatically and to write concisely and with lucidity. Other options can include language research and medical transcription.

Translators may also be required to have specialist knowledge of a subject though this maybe acquired on the job. Translators often have to discuss phrases and technical jargon with engineers, scientists, lawyers, etc. to get the accurate meaning.

Get lost in translation

The scope and prospects for translators of Russian, Japanese, Korean and Arabic is witnessing a tremendous rise with growing business and interaction between India and these countries. Lately, the demand for Korean language specialists has been so large that companies like LG are providing scholarships to students for studying Korean. The Government of Japan is also offering scholarships for research studies in the Japanese language. The demand for Chinese is also steadily growing. There are several MNCs hiring foreign language specialists, including call centres, foreign banks, and software companies like Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, American Express and Tata Consultancy Services. While French and German continue to be in demand, Spanish is another language with good prospects. As the second language of the US and due to increasing business transactions between India and South America, Spanish is gaining importance and popularity.

Take to teaching

Another avenue for individuals who are specialists in languages is teaching. Foreign language teachers are now employed in schools, colleges, universities and private institutions. There are a number of other areas where the knowledge of a foreign language can be an asset. These include travel and tourism, hotels, banking, export marketing, publishing, and so on. In fact, competence in a foreign language helps enhance almost any career, giving a person more interesting prospects, at home and abroad.

Although interpreters or translators do not necessarily need to have formal training and qualifications in a language, it is necessary for those who wish to teach the language.

However, formal training provides a distinct advantage and is much sought after.

There now exist a large number of institutions that offer courses in both foreign and Indian languages. The duration of the courses varies from a couple of months to five years.

Cultural centres attached to embassies, such as the Alliance Francaise, Max Mueller, the Italian Cultural Centre and so on are the best organisations for learning language skills.

Training talk

Often no specific qualifications are required. Most courses include a business, and in some cases, a technical component as well, which gives students an insight into the commercial world of the country and enables them to handle business correspondence, translations and interpretations. Some vocational institutes also offer courses in different languages. The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has courses in French Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and German.

Language courses aim at developing competence and proficiency in spoken and written language. They are also conducted at different levels for increasing proficiency in the skill. Moreover, understanding the dialect is not enough. It is important to study the history, culture, society and background of the people of that country.

It’s not all Greek

A graduation or post-graduation in the language can give you a deeper insight into the culture of the people. Universities such as the Jawaharlal Nehru University offer BA, MA and M.Phil courses in various languages. JNU’s School of Languages offers three-year degree programmes as well as five-year integrated language courses in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Russian and Chinese after plus two.

Several universities offer graduate and post-graduate degrees in foreign languages. Delhi University offers a three-year integrated BA in foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish and Italian. The course aims to equip students with language skills for jobs in translations, tourism or commercial business. Admission is on the basis of an entrance test. DU’s Department for East Asian Studies also offers diploma, certificate and advanced diploma courses in Japanese, Korean and Chinese languages.

The Central Institute for English and foreign languages at Hyderabad offers postgraduation in Arabic, German, Russian and French through full-time classes and distance learning programmes.

Money matters

As there are limited professionals with technical fluency in several languages, qualified candidates are fairly well-paid in this profession. There are no standard scales of pay, but generally translators for French, German and Spanish can expect to be paid about Rs 500 per page for translations, while those with Japanese, Korean and Arabic skills normally get more. Interpreters’ fee ranges from Rs 500 - 1500 per day. Those working with companies can expect to start at salaries of Rs 20,000 and above.

Skill set

Often, a good ear for languages is an inborn talent, which would be difficult to acquire. But an agile mind, and an ability to concentrate for long stretches of time and to work under pressure are some of the personal qualities required for a successful career in languages. Excellent interpersonal skills, a knowledge and understanding of people, observation skills, good memory and an open mind are key attributes.

So, as the global world gets closer you can become an international citizen, stepping out confidently, equipped with the knowledge of a foreign language.

The writer is a noted career expert