Interpreter

Interpreters convert the spoken word from one language to another. They have to listen to and understand what’s being said and then reproduce it in the target language.

Also known as:

Language interpreter
Linguist interpreter

Work activities

Interpreters convert the spoken word from one language to another. They need an excellent command both of their first language and a foreign language. They need to understand informal speech and slang, regional variations in language, and the culture of the countries where the language is spoken. They have to convey the feelings and tone of the speaker, making sure to preserve their meaning. Interpreting can take place in many settings. Some examples are:

Conferences and business meetings.

Interviews with the police and solicitors and court sessions.

Medical appointments and in hospitals.

This means that the interpreter might have to deal with business, scientific, medical, political or legal speech. In some cases, they might research specific vocabulary or terms using dictionaries, reference books or websites, as preparation.

There are three main types of interpreting. In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter normally sits in a soundproof booth, listening to a speech. They interpret it almost immediately into another language so the audience can hear it on headphones. If the interpreter is working with only one or two people, they might whisper the speech directly to them. In consecutive interpreting, the speaker pauses after each sentence or phrase so that the interpreter can translate into the other language. Liaison interpreting is two-way. It is common in situations where people need help to communicate with a public service provider, for example, in a legal, health or education setting. The interpreter converts a few sentences at a time while the speaker pauses.

Another type of interpreting is signs interpreting. Sign interpreters communicate with deaf people using British Sign Language, rather than spoken language. Interpreters are increasingly able to provide a service using technology such as internet voice call software.

Personal qualities and skills

As an interpreter, you’ll need:

Excellent English language skills and fluency in another language.
Knowledge of the culture, practices, institutions and current affairs of the country or countries where the foreign language is spoken.
Knowledge of the subject area you are interpreting.
Concentration, stamina, a good memory and listening skills.
To be quick-thinking.
To understand the procedures of the context in which you are working (such as a court of law).
To be impartial, tactful and diplomatic.
The ability to analyse information at speed.
Good public speaking skills and the confidence to speak in front of others, for example, in a court or conference setting.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Pay is variable, depending on the type of interpreting and employer. High salaries may be available, for example, in European Union posts. Freelance interpreters typically charge a daily rate, but higher fees are available in London.

Hours of work for interpreters may include early starts, late finishes and weekend work depending on the requirements of the job.

Organisations that might employ interpreters include:

Large industrial, commercial and legal firms.
The police, courts and local authorities, for example, in social services departments.
Civil Service departments and agencies such as the UK Border Agency and Ministry of Defence.
There are opportunities for interpreters to join organisations such as the European Court of Justice and the United Nations.

Most interpreters are self-employed freelancers. Some are connected to language recruitment agencies. Courts should usually select freelance interpreters who are registered with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI). Members of the Institution of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) can enter their names on searchable online directories, allowing clients to search for and select freelancers.

What’s happening in this work area?

The profession is dominated by freelance interpreters, with few full-time jobs advertised each year.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers and on specialist language recruitment agency websites and job boards. The ITI and IoL also advertise vacancies on their websites.

Entry routes and training

The usual route to a career as an interpreter is to complete a degree in interpreting or modern languages, followed by a postgraduate course in interpreting. Entry without at least a degree is unlikely, unless you have very strong language skills, for example, gained through a bilingual background and/or living abroad. The Chartered Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) offers a range of professional qualifications for linguists that are recognised by government departments, agencies, business organisations, universities and schools.

If you have a very high level of fluency in another language, for example, through a bilingual upbringing or living abroad, and want to specialise in public service interpreting, you might want to achieve the level 3 diploma and then register with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) and to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL).

To work for a European Union (EU) institution, interpreters need:

Excellent command of their mother tongue.
A minimum of two other EU languages.
A degree in any subject, a postgraduate qualification in conference interpretation or significant professional experience.

In community interpreting in the UK, ability in spoken English and a non-English community language can be more important than qualifications. Once in work, interpreters can take further training to enhance their skills. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (IoL) or the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) provides professional recognition and access to courses, workshops and networking opportunities.

Interpreters often combine their work with translation services. Some go into teaching or training roles. There are opportunities to set up recruitment or consultancy services, selecting and recruiting other interpreters to meet a client’s needs.

Rehabilitation of Offenders: This career can be an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 if the post involves matters of national security. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree course in a modern language, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels including the modern language(s) relevant to the course.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English.

Alternatives to A levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications you usually need to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, but you should check individual course details.

Local authorities run short courses for community language interpreters. Knowledge of housing, welfare and benefits issues can be important. Some course providers run the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting from the Chartered Institute of Linguists Educational Trust (IoLET) through distance learning.

Related careers

Bilingual secretary
British sign language (bsl)/english interpreter
European union administrator
Translator