
In the case of people for whom four years of full-time study is not a viable option, local college courses in French are widely available at beginner, intermediate and advanced level. Translation studies courses are available on a full and part-time basis, so it is possible to combine study with a period of work experience. This is the career path for a significant number of people entering the translation profession each year. Once they have graduated, many language students will then go on to read translation studies at post-graduate level. The year overseas is spent in a country where the language one is learning is spoken and will involve either working as a school classroom language assistant or following a course of study at a university. Typically a degree course involves three years at the British university and one year living abroad. Most UK universities offer degree courses in French and other modern foreign languages. Among the learning strategies aspiring translators have found to be helpful are the following: Formal Courses Achieving this level of fluency is something which demands a lot of time and effort. Becoming Fluent in Frenchīeing able to ‘get by’ in French is not enough for anyone who aspires to become a professional translator one needs to immerse oneself thoroughly in the language to the extent where one becomes completely fluent. The role of the translator is often a very challenging one and, while the skill-set demanded by the profession requires far more than just being good at languages, complete fluency in at least one foreign language is a non-negotiable starting point. Translators who are skilled in French are widely in demand in business, science, medical, legal, academic and diplomatic circles. Interpreters, on the other hand, specialise in the translation of the spoken word.įrench is one of the world’s major languages and is a key medium for communication within the European Union. Translation involves converting copy from one language to another and all translators are required to be fluent in their native language as well as at least one other language. Working as a professional translator is a popular career choice for an increasing number of modern language graduates and for other people who have a flair for foreign languages.
