Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters
(NOC 5125)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportTranslators translate written material from one language to another. Terminologists carry out research required to translate and interpret technical, professional, and scientific vocabulary and material. Interpreters translate spoken communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates, and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. They work for government, private translation and interpretation agencies, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations, and the media, or they may be self-employed. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed. Translators, terminologists, and interpreters specialize in two languages like 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.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 275. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 38% of Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $54,041. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,825
Minimum$29,980
Median$74,671
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Translators translate written material from one language to another. Terminologists carry out research required to translate and interpret technical, professional, and scientific vocabulary and material. Interpreters translate spoken communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates, and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances.
They work for government, private translation and interpretation agencies, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations, and the media, or they may be self-employed. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed.
Translators, terminologists, and interpreters specialize in two languages like 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.
Job duties
Translators and translator-revisers:
- Translate a variety of written material like correspondence, reports, legal documents, technical specifications, and textbooks from one language to another, maintaining the content, context and style of the original material to the greatest extent possible.
- Localize software and accompanying technical documents to adapt them to another language and culture.
- Revise and correct translated material.
- May train and supervise other translators.
Terminologists:
- Identify the terminology used in a field of activity.
- Research terminology for a given subject or glossaries, terminology banks, technological files, dictionaries, lexicons, and resource centres, and add to terminological databases.
- Manage, update, and circulate linguistic information collected from terminological databases.
- Provide consulting services to translators, interpreters, and technical writers preparing legal, scientific or other documents that require specialized terminologies.
Interpreters:
- Interpret spoken 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 an Aboriginal or foreign language in a variety of circumstances.
- May train other interpreters.
- Interpreters may specialize in court, parliamentary or conference interpretation.
Sign language interpreters:
- Translate sign language to a spoken language and vice versa either simultaneously or consecutively.
- Sign language interpreters work in French and Langue des signs quebecoise (LSQ) or in English and American Sign Language (ASL).
Sample job titles
- certified interpreter (C.Int.)
- certified terminologist (C.Term.)
- certified translator (C.Tr.)
- deaf interpreter
- interpreter
- legal terminologist
- medical terminologist
- sign language interpreter
- terminologist
- translator
Skills
You must have a thorough knowledge of at least two languages and excellent writing skills. Translators usually translate into their native language. To work as an interpreter you should have excellent oral expression, a good memory, and the ability to concentrate well. You must also be able to think quickly and clearly. As an ASL/English interpreter, you should have physical stamina and manual dexterity.
Job requirements
- A university degree in translation with a specialization in translation, interpretation, or terminology in two languages including at least one of the two official languages, or a university degree in a related discipline like languages, linguistics, philology and courses in linguistic transfer and two years' experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language, or five years of experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language, are required.
- Sign language interpreters need a college training program or a university certificate in sign language interpretation.
- Certification on dossier or by examination from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council may be required for translators, terminologists, and interpreters.
- Sign language interpreters may require a certificate or certification evaluation in LSQ or ASL.
- Membership in a provincial or territorial association of translators, interpreters and terminologists may be required.
- Membership in a provincial association of sign language interpreters may be required.
Other considerations
Job opportunities may grow as Nova Scotian businesses expand their marketing efforts to include foreign customers and require translators to communicate. Fluency in three languages is usually required for translators or interpreters working in an international context
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Information and cultural industries
Real estate and rental and leasing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Bachelor
$47,799 median annual incomeMaster
$16,592 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$27,529 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
American Sign Language (ASL)
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on American Sign Language as a visual and motor medium of communication and discourse for deaf individuals and deaf culture. These programs include courses in the development of ASL, ASL morphology and syntax, signing technique, English translation of ASL, formal and colloquial ASL, and ASL transcription.
Institutions providing this program
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Deaf studies
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the sociological, historical and linguistic aspects of the deaf and hearing impaired, and that prepares individuals to work with the deaf and hearing impaired. These programs include courses in sign language, deaf studies, deaf culture, structure of sign language, history of the deaf community, and civil rights of deaf people.
French language and literature (Canada) - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the French language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of French-speaking peoples.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Language interpretation and translation
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to be professional interpreters and/or translators of documents and data files, either from English or French into another language or languages or vice versa. These programs include courses of an intensive nature in one or more languages plus courses in subjects such as single and multiple-language interpretation, one- or two-way interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, general and literary translation, business translation, technical translation, and other specific applications of linguistic skills.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
Spanish language and literature
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the Spanish language and related dialects. These programs include courses in Spanish philology, Modern Castillan, various Latin American dialects, regional Spanish dialects, and applications in business, science/technology, and other settings.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
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