Ataur
Job Title
Freelance Interpreter
Company and location
London
Industry sector
Language Services: Legal/Commercial
Background:
Qualified as an Electronics Engineer. Maintained community contact and inguistic skills both in the UK and in Motherland. Extensive training in the legal field in the UK.
What does your job involve?
I interpret and translate (English and Bengali) for various public services essentially the Courts, Police, Immigration and the legal sector in general. This involves liaising with various authorities. It is therefore important for me to plan my time efficiently. On occasion this may involve spending long unsociable hours with either desirable or undesirable people.
What skills and qualities are required for your job?
Knowledge of wide range of the dialects used in the Indian sub-continent, Bangladesh and West Bengal (India). Patience, and an understanding of cultural differences. Good memory and ability to speak and listen simultaneously and translate accurately. A good knowledge of dialects of the English language is also required.
What do you like most about your job?
No two days are the same – there is a good variety of work and scene. Meeting with colleagues of like mind and visiting a wide range of places in the UK. Meeting such a wide variety of the community I realise how fortunate I am.
Do you have any advice for people entering a similar career to yours?
Take your work seriously and realise that your work may have an impact on someone else’s life in a big way. Have a broad outlook on life with good understanding and compassion. You must have good stamina – not all jobs have eating facilities nearby! – and be able to work long hours without rest. You must be ready for possible interference with social/family life. Constantly update your skills for the job. Keep abreast of the news in the country of your clients’ mother tongue. Be able to maintain a level head under any circumstances. You must be able to maintain a confidential manner and to listen and interpret accurately in all cases, even those where what you are dealing with is very unpleasant. Don’t allow any case to infringe on your sanity!