A linguist that can translate and interpret may have a better chance of finding work in the industry since they can essentially perform two jobs.ĭeveloping translation and interpretation skills requires specific educational pathways and can determine what kind of jobs you're able to do in the linguistics field. Linguists have the option to study one or both concepts to increase their skill set and employability. Good translators don't necessarily make good interpreters, and good interpreters don't necessarily make good translators. Interpreters are verbal translators, conveying ideas, words and phrases from one language to another through spoken word. Translators work with written documents and transfer information between to languages in documents, books, articles and other written media. Interpretation and translation differ from one another in that they both work to achieve different goals. Linguists often choose a specialty in interpretation or translation, both of which require attention to detail and foreign language fluency. Related: 15 Opportunities for Foreign Language Careers (With Salaries) Interpretation or translation How words or phrases translate to different languagesįoreign language fluency often includes intensive courses on the history of specific regions, cultures and foreign influences to teach linguists how languages evolve and change.įor example, English is a language that contains words, phrases and structures from various languages due to conquest, cultural influence and the imperialistic efforts of the British empire. This includes understanding the nuances of language, including: This requires foreign language fluency, or the ability to interpret and speak certain languages effectively. Linguists study languages of all kinds, which often includes languages that are foreign to their native language. Linguists bring many skills to the industry, including: Foreign language fluency Read more: 10 Jobs You Can Get With a Degree in Linguistics Examples of linguist skills For example, an interpreter might need both foreign language fluency and patience to excel in the industry. Soft skills and hard skills are equally important because they often support one another. Soft skills are transferrable skills, often interpersonal skills, that linguists can apply to the job.

Hard skills are technical abilities that linguists apply directly to their work, such as foreign language fluency or interpretation. Linguists can learn both hard skills and soft skills during their training. Linguist skills are important attributes that linguists bring to the industry.

Linguist job description