Quote:
Originally Posted by 88487
Hi,
I recently joined this forum because I'd like answers to some questions that have been lingering in my mind since forever.
Last year I finished high school and right now I'm having difficulties with planning out my future. I've been wanting to live in Japan for a long time. I'm fond of languages and I'm also pretty good at them, so I'd very much like to be a translator or interpreter. I'm planning on learning at least three foreign languages through courses in the upcoming three years and getting a master degree, probably in english. Hence my questions are: how big is the chance to get a job as translator/interpreter in Japan when being fluent in english, japanese, dutch and three more languages? Which languages should I choose to learn? Is it wise to get a master degree in english or should I choose another language, or something totally different?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
PS. please don't start nagging about me being unable to become fluent in four languages within four years, I know what I'm capable of.
PSS. don't judge my english skills by checking this post for mistakes, my english writing skills aren't something to be proud of, I know I need to change that.
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First, you mean 'p.p.s', not 'p.s.s.'
Anyways - I agree with Wings, but seeing as that's not what you want to hear I'll try to answer your questions. I would say English is certainly a fantastic choice to get a degree in, mainly because it is the current
lingua franca, but I would question whether its necessary to take it to a masters level. I think if you have a degree in the language then its proof enough of understanding, and it may be best to focus on other areas rather than spending too much time on just English (because, frankly, unless you aim to be a university professor I'm not entirely sure how far a masters would take you anyway, or what it could do that a regular degree can't).
In regards to translating . . . some members of the site work in (or are getting degrees in) translating and may be able to offer advice. I think you would need certificates to prove that you are profficient in said langauges, and probably a degree in translating (or your chosen languages), in order to stand a chance.
I think your choices in languages would probably be best in English, as its a main one, or perhaps something like Chinese or Spanish (languages that are widely spoken, or of importance in the business world). European languages are always useful, but in Japan I would imagine more Asian languages would be better learnt: Korean, Chinese etc.
I have a feeling I'm going to get corrected by people though, lol, I'm no expert after all.