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Industry Profile -- by Christina Marriot
"Language is simply alive, like an organism. Words are the cells
of language, moving the great body, on legs. Language grows and
evolves, leaving fossils behind."
- Thomas Lewis
Everything we know and experience is defined through language. From
pre-schoolers learning to count in elementary school to employees
discussing agenda items in a business meeting, language transcends
everything. Throughout the world, from China to Canada, from a small
tribe in Africa to a Jewish community in the U.S., the art of
language unites us all. And that is what makes a career in languages
so exciting. Think about it, the possibilities are endless.
Imagine translating in a courtroom, or helping elementary kids
overcome speech impediments. Could you see yourself teaching English
overseas or interpreting a conversation between the prime minister
and foreign dignitaries? The places you will go and the people you
will meet on your career travels are overwhelming. When it comes to a
career in languages, the sky is the limit.
To be successful in this industry requires unique skills and
qualities. Ask yourself, are you imaginative, creative and
understanding? Do you have the ability to work with multi-cultural
groups? If you enjoy a challenge, are willing to work various hours,
and pay close attention to detail, this may be the field for you.
This industry requires people who have a genuine interest in
researching and learning information, working with people and
analyzing data.
The great part about this industry is the variety in working
conditions. Hours can be varied and some people work long hours in
order to meet strict deadlines. Travelling between locations is also
common, which could include working at community centres, day cares,
hospitals and rehabilitation centres. You could work standard hours
in an office environment or may be required to complete fieldwork in
order to collect data for research. Those who wish to enter this
industry will require post-secondary education.
The predicted future growth rate for this industry within the next
five years is high and above average compared to other fields. Most
of the growth in occupations will occur among speech pathologists,
sign language interpreters and ESL teachers. The following is an
overview of careers in the language industry.
Speech-Language Pathologists assist clients in
restoring and improving their ability to communicate while working
with children and adults to prevent, identify, diagnose and assess
communication disorders. This type of work involves developing
treatment plans, counselling clients, researching and using a variety
of specialized tests and procedures. Speech pathologists may
specialize in working with people with specific disorders or in
working with a certain age group. Travelling may be required and
speech-language pathologists generally work standard office hours.
Patience and perseverance, excellent interpersonal skills, and
creative problem solving skills are common characteristics. The
ability to set priorities and deal with multiple tasks are also
important qualifications.
- Pay will range from $20, 000 to $68, 100 per year
- Average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
Translators convert written text from one language to another through conducting research, compiling terminology and
revising, editing and proofreading translated material. Translators
may use a variety of reference materials such as dictionaries,
computerized terminology banks, manuals and educational textbooks.
In order to meet deadlines, translators may be required to work long
hours. Successful translators have good analytical skills, are able
to pay attention to detail and are willing to work for long periods
of time. An inquisitive mind and the ability to work in a team
environment is required.
- Pay will range from $22, 000 to $55, 000 per year
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
Linguistic Anthropologists study the development and everyday use of human languages and specifically the study of
modern language patterns and their influence on thoughts and actions.
Field work and travelling is involved in this type of work, and some
linguistic anthropologists may be required to work long hours.
Excellent reading, writing and research skills and the ability to
gather and analyze information are essential to the success of this
job. Anthropologists should also enjoy solving puzzles, working with
others, and possess a natural curiosity about human culture.
- Pay will range from $31, 700 to $46, 900 per year
- Below average occupation growth is expected to the year 2005
Sign Language Interpreters provide services in a variety of settings through facilitating communication among the deaf
and hard of hearing using both English and sign language. Working
conditions for interpreters vary depending on the job and assignment,
and some interpreters work in teams according to the length of
assignment and number of clients. Sign language interpreters should
have a non-judgemental attitude, excellent interpersonal and
communication skills and the ability to maintain client
confidentiality. Flexibility, self-discipline and objectivity are
other traits interpreters demonstrate.
- Pay will range from $18 to $35 and hour
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
Linguists study human language and speech, and perform scientific research on the structure, development and use of
human languages. For example, linguists may study word meaning,
sound systems, ways in which languages differ and speech errors.
Some field work may be required for collecting data, but most
linguists work normal hours in an office environment. Researchers and
teachers of linguistics may work longer hours. Linguists possess a
strong interest in languages, above average academic skills, and the
ability to concentrate for long periods of time. Excellent
argumentative skills are also important.
- Pay will range from $31, 700 to $46, 900 per year
- Below average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
Interpreters translate spoken words from one
language to another, provide advice regarding cultural information
and identify and resolve conflicts related to the meaning of words,
concepts and behaviours. Evening and weekend work may be required
when working as an interpreter. The ability to articulate and
respond quickly, an interest in research, and an inquisitive and
meticulous attitude are fundamental traits for people working in this
field. Not only do interpreters enjoy working with people, but they
also like the variety and creativity of their work.
- Pay will range from $15 to $35 an hour or $26, 000 to $39, 000
per year
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers provide English language and life skills instruction to immigrants,
international students and those whose first language is not English.
Through field trips, guest speakers, and research projects, ESL
teachers help students adjust to a new way of life as quickly and
successfully as possible. Classroom facilities vary from an academic
environment to a community facility such as a church or community
centre. Class sizes range from one-on-one tutoring to large classes
of 20 or more students. ESL teachers should possess excellent
communication skills, the ability to work in a multicultural
environment, and demonstrate strong organizational skills. A sense of
humour, creativity and imagination are also common traits among ESL
teachers.
- Pay will range from $18 to $40 an hour or $20, 700 to $64, 400
per year
- Above average occupational growth is expected to the year 2005
Each industry profiled in nextSteps also includes jobs that are
similar to the positions highlighted in the Industry Profile. Some of
those positions include: teacher; counsellor; reporter; child
psychologist; and researcher.
Previous issues with more on some of these occupational profiles include:
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