Interpreters

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path starts in secondary school with strong English and French, plus another language if possible. Students often build careful listening, clear speaking, and note-taking skills through language classes, debate, drama, or volunteer work. After graduation, many people study languages, translation, or related arts programs at college or university, and some take translation or interpreting courses such as those offered at the University of Ottawa. Early experience may include volunteering, community interpreting support, internships, or other language-heavy jobs. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and setting, especially for court, conference, or specialized interpreting.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Interpret oral communication from one language to another aloud or using electronic equipment, either simultaneously (as the speaker speaks), consecutively (after the speaker speaks) or whispered (speaking in a low whisper to one or two persons as the speaker is talking)
• Provide interpretation services in court or before administrative tribunals
• May interpret language for individuals and small groups travelling in Canada and abroad
• May interpret for persons speaking a Native or foreign language in a variety of circumstances
• May train other interpreters.
• Translators, terminologists and interpreters specialize in two languages, such as French and English, the official languages of Canada. They may also specialize in another language and one of the official languages. The main areas of specialization include administrative, literary, scientific and technical translation. Interpreters may specialize in court, parliamentary or conference interpretation.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career