Introduction
A language is a system for encoding and decoding information.
In its most common use, the term refers to so-called "natural languages" the forms
of communication considered peculiar to humankind. In linguistics the term is extended
to refer to the human cognitive facility of creating and using language. Essential
to both meanings is the systematic creation and usage of systems of symbols each
referring to linguistic concepts with semantic or logical or otherwise expressive
meanings. Many animal and even plant species communicate with each other. Humans
are not unique in this capability. However, human language is unique in being a
symbolic communication system that is learned instead of biologically inherited.
Symbols are sounds or things which have meaning given to them by the users. Originally,
the meaning is arbitrarily assigned. For instance, the English word "dog" does not
in any way physically resemble the animal it stands for. All symbols have a material
form but the meaning can not be discovered by mere sensory examination of their
forms. They are abstractions.
History
Even before the theory of evolution made discussion of more animal-like human ancestors
commonplace, philosophical and scientific speculation casting doubt on the use of
early language has been frequent throughout history. In modern Western Philosophy,
speculation by authors such as Thomas Hobbes and later Jean-Jacques Rousseau led
to the Academie francaise declaring the subject off-limits.
The origin of language is of great interest to philosophers because language is
such an essential characteristic of human life. In classical Greek philosophy such
inquiry was approached by considering the nature of things, in this case human nature.
Aristotle, for example, treated humans as creatures with reason and language by
their intrinsic nature, related to their natural propensities to be "political,"
and dwell in city-state communities.
Parallel Streams
- Mandarin Chinese
- Spanish
- English
- Arabic
- Hindi
- Portuguese
- Bengali
Language allows one to share information and to communicate beliefs and speculations,
attitudes and emotions. Indeed, it creates the human social world, cementing people
into a common history and a common life-experience. Language is equally an instrument
of understanding and knowledge; the specialized languages of mathematics and science,
for example, enable human beings to construct theories and to make predictions about
matters they would otherwise be completely unable to grasp. Language, in short,
makes it possible for individual human beings to escape cognitive imprisonment in
the here and now.
In the age of globalization, difference in languages should not become a barrier
in communication. Keeping this fact in mind various institutions have started offering
foreign language courses. Multinational companies have started investing in the
Indian market in huge proportions. These MNCs needs their reports, transactions
and other documents to be translated. This is another reason why foreign language
courses are gaining in popularity.
Do you make the cut?
Languages keep on changing therefore you must be fast enough to keep pace with the
changes. You also must be responsible for whatever you speak as many people are
going to be dependent on your understanding of a particular language. Besides this
you need to have good organizational skills and a pleasing personality.
Working environments of interpreters and translators vary. Interpreters work in
a variety of settings, such as hospitals, courtrooms, and conference centers. They
are required to travel to the site—whether it is in a neighboring town or on the
other side of the world—where their services are needed. Interpreters who work over
the telephone generally work on call, often in call centers in urban areas, and
keep to a standard 5-day, 40-hour workweek. Interpreters for deaf students in schools
usually work in a school setting for 9 months out of the year. Translators usually
work alone, and they must frequently perform under pressure of deadlines and tight
schedules. Many translators choose to work at home; however, technology allows translators
to work from virtually anywhere.
Because many interpreters and translators freelance, their schedules are often erratic,
with extensive periods of no work interspersed
with others requiring long, irregular hours. For those who freelance, a significant
amount of time must be dedicated to looking for jobs. In addition, freelancers must
manage their own finances, and payment for their services may not always be prompt.
Freelancing, however, offers variety and flexibility, and allows many workers to
choose which jobs to accept or decline.
The number of work-related accidents in these occupations is relatively low. The
work can be stressful and exhausting, and translation can be lonesome or dull. However,
interpreters and translators may use their irregular schedules to pursue other interests,
such as traveling, dabbling in a hobby, or working a second job. Many interpreters
and translators enjoy what they do and value the ability to control their schedules
and workloads.
Top Career Options
Individuals trained in foreign languages can find jobs in the following sectors
within India:
- Diplomatic Services.
- As teachers.
- As translators in industries, Government Sectors and Research Organizations.
- As interpreters.
- As Tourist Guides.
- As Air Hostesses and Flight Stewards.
- In hotels, in various levels of hotel management.
- As Freelancers.
- As Public Relations Officer.
Scope Abroad:
Foreign language experts can find jobs in multinational companies outside India.
The UNO appoints foreign language experts for six international languages through
an entrance examination. International organizations also hire translators. Trained
individuals can find jobs as interpreters in international seminars as well.
Top Remuneration & Lifestyle
Salaried interpreters and translators had median hourly earnings of $16.28 in May
2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.40 and $21.09. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $9.67, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.45.
Earnings depend on language, subject matter, skill, experience, education, certification,
and type of employer, and salaries of interpreters and translators can vary widely.
Interpreters and translators with language skills for which there is a greater demand,
or for which there are relatively few people with the skills, often have higher
earnings. Interpreters and translators with specialized expertise, such as those
working in software localization, also generally command higher rates. Individuals
classified as language specialists for the Federal Government earned an average
of $71,625 annually in 2005. Limited information suggests that some highly skilled
interpreters and translators—for example, high-level conference interpreters—working
full time can earn more than $100,000 annually.
Course Details & Its Eligibility
Fee Structure:
Fee structure depends on which institute you are studying in.
Duration:
3 years.
Syllabus:
Depends on the language you are learning.
Academics
General Eligibility:
Bachelor's degree course in foreign language, Eligibility is candidates must have
completed their 10+2 examination in any stream. Integrated Master's course in Foreign
Languages, Eligibility is undergraduate or graduate candidates can apply. Diploma
or Certificate courses, Eligibility: 10+2. M.A, Eligibility is graduation in the
language applied for. M.Phil, Eligibility: M.A in the language applied for. Ph.D,
Eligibility: is M.A in the language applied for.
Premiere Institute Eligibility:
Alliance Francasie - 15 branches across the country offers courses in French.
Institute Watchlist
- Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) - Hyderabad.
- Benaras Hindu University - Varanasi.
- University of Delhi - New Delhi.
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Languages - New Delhi.
- Alliance Francasie - 15 branches across the country.
- Max Mueller Bhavan- major metros.
- Indo - Italian Chamber of Commerce - Mumbai.
- Japanese Information and Cultural Center - New Delhi.
- Ram Krishna Mission - Kolkata.
- Indo-Japan Chamber Of Commerce & Industry, No.21, K.B. Dasan Road, Teynampet, Chennai
- 600 018.
