Foreign Languages

Looking for a Career Option in the Field of Foreign Languages ? 

This section features Foreign Languages as a career option, elaborated with reference to the job profile, personality traits required, the courses and training involved, premier institutions and future prospects.

Language is one of the most powerful communication tools available to an individual. With emerging globalization, an individual who has knowledge of more than one language has a number of advantages to his/her credit. Careers nowadays not only ask for languages as a primary skill, but occasionally as a secondary skill as well.

Learning Foreign languages may be one way of giving full rein to a flair for languages or it may lead to the rendering of certain specialized services which are highly challenging and remunerative.

Personality Traits

They should have flair for Languages, interest in people and an axil mind are basic traits for career in foreign languages. Awareness of social and cultural backgrounds of foreign countries helps in the appreciation of the nuances of foreign languages for effectiveness in all types of work.

Translators have to be meticulous and should be able to concentrate for long periods. They should also be able to get along with people especially for assignments of a technical nature.

Interpreters at international conferences need physical stamina, a cool temperament and should preferably equip themselves with the background of the assignment they are to cover.

Teaching languages requires proficiency, patience and the ability to communicate with different age groups.

Courses/Training

Courses in Foreign Languages are

Most of the prominent universities in country conduct diploma, degree or certificate courses in many foreign languages. The eligibility conditions & duration of courses are differ from university to university. The degree courses are open to graduates in any discipline.

There are many foreign language training institutes which offer specialised training in a particular language at different levels. Those who have aquired the graduate level of proficiency in foreign languages may go in for the master's programmes at selected universities.

Training

Foreign Language classes are conducted in an interesting and interactive manner using audio cassettes, video clips, overhead projectors and other teaching/learning devices. In the metropolitan cities the foreign language classes at different institutes have a good standing from the professional point of view.

EligibilityEligibility

Formal training is not mandatory for entry into this field. However, a slight formal training would definitely prove to be a great advantage for the candidate. No specific qualifications is required in order to study at cultural centres such as Max Mueller Bhavan or Alliance Francaise etc. Some institutions like the Jawaharlal Nehru University requires a candidate to take an entrance exam on the basis of which they would be selected for the BA, MA and M. Phil courses.

Placements And Prospects

Individuals may choose to be either freelancers or be associated with a particular organisation. Business interpreters find prospective employment in business firms, travel agencies, etc. One could also opt for a career in teaching. Working as a translator or interpreter either full-time or part-time proves to be a very good career option. Learning additional languages also helps one become familiar with the life styles and culture of other people.

Prospects are fairly good for all categories of work and vary according to the nature of the assignment and level of specialist knowledge  Proficiency in foreign languages is an asset in the tourism industry for jobs as tourist guides in tourism departments of the government and private travel agencies may hire the services of linguists as escorts for tourist groups to coordinate their travel plans and arrangements and to make their travel plans and arrangements and to make their tour successful and enjoyable. Hotels and airlines also require the services of persons proficient in foreign languages.