Interpreting – more than just a job!

What is interpreting?“Interpreting is regarded […] as a translational

activity, as a special form of Translation. […]

Interpreting is an ancient human practice which

clearly predates the invention of writing – and

(written) translation.”

Where does interpreting stem from?

“Expressions denoting a person performing the

activity of interpreting can be traced back to Akkadian

[an ancient Semitic language] … around 1900 BC. “

The term “interpreter” comes from Latin (interpres =

‘expounder’ ; ‘person exploring the obscure’).

WHY BECOME AN INTERPRETER?

A dynamic job Travelling abroad Attractive payment Intercultural experiences Teamwork Meeting important people

HOWEVER… it also entails a great amount of stress

it involves taking on lots of responsibilities

it is not suitable for sensitive, emotional

people

it requires continuous practice and learning

one must acquire vast knowledge

it is one of the most exhausting jobs

What skills do I need for interpreting?

•Mastery of the mother tongue•Excellent knowledge of the foreign

language•Good public speaking•Calm under pressure•Flexibility / Adaptability•Professionalism •Good cultural awareness•Tact and diplomacy

In what fields can you, as an interpreter, work?

Domains of activity

Medicine

Justice

Politics

Conferences on various

topics

Engineering

Technical field

Interpreting within the institutions of the EU You can become an interpreter within any of the

institutions of the EU: the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Court of Justice.

Applications can be sent at the website of the European Personnel Selection Office.

An inter-institutional accreditation test is required!

INTERPRETING VS. TRANSLATION

In a world where there is a growing need for translators and interpreters, it is sometimes hard to make a choice between these two…

“Introducing Interpreting Studies” – by Franz Pöchhacker,

Routledge Publishing House, 2003

www.nationalnetworkforinterpreting.ac.uk

http://europa.eu/interpretation/index_en.htm

http://europa.eu/epso/index_en.htm

http://europa.eu/interpretation/accreditation_en.htm

Sources of information