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Interpreters and Translators

Careers / Interpreters and Translators

Summary Description


	Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

Sample Job Titles

1.	American Sign Language ASL/English Interpreter

2.	American Sign Language ASL/English Sign Language Interpreter/RID Certified

3.	American Sign Language Interpreter (ASL Interpreter)

4.	Arabic Translator

5.	Audio Narrator

6.	Bilingual Interpreter

7.	Bilingual Secretary

8.	Braille Transcriber

9.	Braille Transcriber/Tactile Graphics Specialist

10.	Braille Translator

11.	Certified Court Interpreter

12.	Certified Court/Medical Interpreter

13.	Conference Interpreter

14.	Conference Translator

15.	Court Interpreter

16.	Cryptologic Linguist

17.	Deaf Interpreter

18.	Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialist

19.	Diplomatic Interpreter

20.	Diplomatic Interpreter/Translator

21.	Educational Interpreter

22.	Educational Sign and Oral Certified Interpreter, Sign Language

23.	Foreign Language Interpreter

24.	Freelance Interpreter/Translator

25.	Freelance Translator

26.	Full Time Staff Interpreter

27.	Hourly Sign Language Interpreter

28.	Interpreter

29.	Interpreter and Translator

30.	Interpreter for the Deaf

31.	Interpreter-Bosnia-English and Albanian-English

32.	Language Interpreter

33.	Language Translator

34.	Medical Interpreter

35.	Official Court Interpreter

36.	Paraprofessional Interpreter

37.	Per Diem Interpreter

38.	Russian Language Interpreter and Translator

39.	Sign Language Interpreter

40.	Sign Language Interpreter, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Consultant

41.	Sign Language Translator

42.	Spanish Interpreter

43.	Spanish Interpreter/Translator

44.	Staff Interpreter

45.	Superior Court Interpreter-Spanish/English

46.	Technical Translator

47.	Translator

48.	Translator and Interpreter

49.	Translator/Interpreter

Job Tasks

	Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.

	Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible. Translate information for others.

	Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary. Translate information for others.

	Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material. Compile technical information or documentation.

	Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages. Translate information for others.

	Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials. Edit written materials.

	Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors. Translate information for others.

	Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions. Verify accuracy of data.

	Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy. Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.

	Train and supervise other translators or interpreters. Train others on work processes.

	Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material. Verify accuracy of data.

	Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided. Confer with clients to determine needs.

	Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary. Translate information for others.

	Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters. Provide educational information to the public.

	Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience. Compile technical information or documentation.

	Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture. Translate information for others.

	Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language. Translate information for others.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Interpreters and Translators
	Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Interpreters and Translators
	Interpreters work in schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and conference centers. Some work for translation companies or individual organizations, and many translators also work from home. Self-employed interpreters and translators frequently have variable work schedules. Most interpreters and translators work full time during regular business hours.

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