becoming a translator/interpreter - college majors?

[赫杰]

Apologies, I really don’t know where I should put this thread in. I am finally starting to prepare myself for translation/interpretation work from English to Chinese and vice-versa, an area I have been looking forward to getting into for a while.

My situation is like this, I have yet to graduate from my university in America, I guess I am technically still a junior. My major in America is IT, but I really have not taken THAT many special major classes, so I am in a good position to change my major or keep with IT. I am currently going on my 2nd year here in my university in Wuhan, and plan to return to America next June. I currently plan on going up to fourth year level of the Chinese program here next semester, which is as high as it gets in this university and involves thesis writing, modern literature studies, and fun stuff like that.

Now, I know there are least a few experienced translators/interpreters on this forum, my question is: does one’s major and the success of getting jobs as a translator or interpreter have a big connection? What major(s) do you guys suggest to get for someone who is looking to be a translator/interpreter? I know you have to have a really good grasp in English, so I guess the obvious choice might be something like a double major in English and the language of study. I was also thinking about changing to a major not so language specific but still relative, thus leaving other doors and options open, like international studies or international business, or maybe something like Asian/Chinese studies and look to become a researcher. I know there a lot of specialized translator schools out there as well, which is something to consider. So as you can see, I am also open to many occupations (and perhaps translate/interpret on the side), as long as I can find something that will allow me to use this skill. What do you guys suggest?

I really appreciate the replies, because this will help me make the big decision of whether to chance my major or not (right now of course leaning to change), thank you.

PS

I think translation and interpretation are a big part of many people’s passion of studying Chinese. What do you think about perhaps adding such a section to the forum? Roddy, what say you? That would at least give a definitive place of all those awesome “how do you translate XXXX?” posts.

[novemberfog]

Almost every interpreter I have met has been learning two languages from early childhood. They have a huge vocabulary in two languages, which is what allows them to interpret in all sorts of areas. They also normally study a speciality area in college. Translaters, on the other hand, don't have to have the huge vocabulary required for on-the-spot interpretation. Of course good translators build that vocabulary so they can work faster, but one doesn't need it from the start.

Without specialized training, I think it is hard to get into interpretation. There are lots of people who came to China and learned to speak Chinese, but I doubt there are many who can handle a meeting focusing on industrial engineering or financial strategy and what not. It requires skill in both languages as well as specialist knowledge.

Some interpreters also go to specialized schools. Interpreters for the State Dept. and Military in the USA attend special training at a government language school. Intelligence agencies also have special training, but they generally require basic fluency to enter the agencies to do foreign language work.

Translation, on the other hand, is easier to get into. Most translators I know work mostly one way. If their native language is English, then they translate from the foreign language to English. If they do the opposite way, there are still many mistakes or weird choices in vocabulary or grammar. A native speaker is still often needed to do the final editing. I am sure though that there are translators who can work both way. They must have a really strong grasp on grammar, vocabulary, and when to use euphimisms and special phrases.

Getting a degree in Chinese or Asian studies really won't mean much at all. You might gain a better understanding of Chinese history, politics, and traditional culture, but I don't think it will give you an upper hand at finding work. Things like HSK level, licensing with translation groups and professional organizations, contacts in the industry, and actual skill are the most important for translation and interpretation.