What Does a Linguist Translator Do?

Linguist translators are professionals who study parts of languages so that they can understand them and clarify their meanings for others who do not speak them. These individuals can work for the military as well as consulting firms and research companies or universities. A person who works as a linguist translator has to perform interpretation as well as translate information. In addition, he or she transcribes documents and keeps his or her knowledge of the field up-to-date.

A main duty of a linguist translator is to perform interpreting. He or she has to be able to understand the sounds and meanings of spoken words used in various nations and various regional dialects by employing scientific techniques so that he or she can determine what people mean in other languages. For this reason, strong listening skills are extremely important to thrive in this position.

Verbal communication is required to be successful in this industry as well. A linguist translator has the responsibility of translating written documents orally. This type of professional must not only be able to share factual information included in texts, but also understand and express innuendos that point to ideas not blatantly mentioned in the writing. His or her understanding of idioms used in the language that he or she is translating is valuable. Being able to speak well also constitutes an industry requirement because a person in this field sometimes must present the language-related information that he or she discovers to groups of people or officials at the company for which he or she works.

An individual who works in this career area additionally needs to have the ability to communicate well in writing. This person might have to transcribe materials or transfer words from a verbal recording to a written document that he or she types. Someone who wants to become a linguist translator should be able to not only understand words and phrases in other languages, but also be able to type quickly. Attention to grammar and accuracy is a necessity in this line of work.

People in this career must stay current on developments in this vocational area. They need to attend seminars offered by industry associations as well as complete continuing education courses through universities to keep their skills up-to-date. This especially is required if a linguist translator decides to earn certification in this industry, which involves taking and passing a professional examination.