Gold Medal Interpreting -
Taking First Place In Language!
With the Olympic Games returning to the world stage on August 5 2016 in Rio, we take a look at what’s behind the decidedly Olympian efforts of our translating and interpreting colleagues.
The one event where practically the whole world comes together - there’s definitely going to be professional interpreting jobs! However, being an Olympic interpreter takes more than knowing multiple languages. Not only must you be multilingual, but you must know sports, legal and medical language, technical and Olympic regulation terminology, and other cultural norms. With an event where the whole world is watching one thing is for sure -interpreters can’t be in short supply!
So, what opportunities could interpreters expect if their city receives the bid? Firstly there will be demand for interpreters to work in the actual events. This includes everything from simultaneous or consecutive interpreting at athlete interviews, post medal ceremony press conferences and at meetings of the International Olympic Committee. Interpreters dealing with the sporting events themselves must be well versed in specific sport terminology (are you familiar with Stuff Blocks or Pikes? You better be if you’re interpreting for volleyball or diving), equipment names, rules, and terms relating to drugs and illegal doping. They must also be able to handle high pressure situations, as often emotions are running high when speaking with athletes!
Liaison and community interpreters will also be in demand. Liaison interpreters work in various positions where run-ins with international visitors will be likely – secretaries, hosts/hostesses, telephone assistance etc. They will need knowledge of the host city area and the various sporting activities in case guests have questions. Community interpreters can expect a similar type of demand to accommodate tourists who will most likely wish to partake in some sightseeing.
Medical interpreters will likely see a rise in demand as tourist needs increase. Big events attract large crowds of people, and especially with an event like the Olympics where sporting and normal tourist activities are involved, medical visits for minor mishaps are quite likely. Visitors and athletes alike will need professionals well versed in medical terminology and procedures to assist them.
There are plenty of opportunities in today’s job market for professional interpreters! Start your training today with one of our programs and prepare yourself for an exciting career!
Register now for one of our interpreter training programs: Medical Interpreter Training, Legal Interpreter Training or Community & Business Interpreter Training.
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Contact us for more information:
Phone:(617)277-1990
Email: support@languageconnections.com
