grammar
The set of structural rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in any given natural language.
Interpreters understand and convert spoken communication from one language to another. They retain considerable amounts of information, often with the aid of note-taking, and communicate it immediately after whilst keeping the nuances and stress of the message in the recipient language.
Competences and skills
54 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
3 competencesinterpreting modes
The various ways of translating a language orally, such as simultaneous, consecutive, relay, whispered or liaison.
spelling
The rules concerning the way words are spelled.
Essential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
3 competencesfollow interpreting quality standards
Follow the agreed upon standards to ensure that the requirements for interpreters are met and to guarantee unity. This may include such standards as the European standard EN 15038 for translation.
memorise large amounts of information
Retain large amounts of information and take notes for accurate interpretation.
perceive context when interpreting
Use situations and contexts to more fully grasp the meaning of what is said. Understanding the people involved and the situation, such as mood and setting, will allow for a more accurate interpretation because the interpreter will therefore be acquainted with the position of the speaker.
Sector-specific
5 competencesdevelop a translation strategy
Perform research to better understand a translation issue and develop the translation strategy that would remediate the encountered problems.
follow an ethical code of conduct for translation activities
Carry out translation activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes fairness, transparency, and impartiality. Do not use judgement or allow personal opinions to affect the quality of the translation or interpretation.
manage a good diction
Speak clearly and precisely so that others understand exactly what is being said. Pronounce words accurately so as not to make mistakes or unintentionally say something incorrect.
perform bilateral interpretation
Understand and interpret oral statements in both directions of a language pair, while maintaining the speaker’s communicative intent.
preserve meaning of original speech
Translate speech without adding, changing or omitting anything. Make sure the original message is conveyed and do not express your own feelings or opinions. Work to keep the intended meaning.
Cross-sector
8 competencesinterpret spoken language between two parties
Convert one spoken language to another in order to ensure the communication between two parties who do not speak a common language.
master language rules
Master the techniques and practices of the languages to be translated. This includes both your own native language, as well as foreign languages. Be familiar with applicable standards and rules and identify the proper expressions and words to use.
observe confidentiality
Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
research
translate language concepts
Translate one language into another language. Match words and expressions with their corresponding brothers in other languages, while making sure that the message and nuances of the original text are preserved.
translate spoken language consecutively
Translate what a speaker says when the speakers pauses after two or more sentences, accurately and completely and based upon your notes. The speaker will wait until the interpreter finishes before proceeding.
translate spoken language simultaneously
Translate what a speaker says accurately and completely at the same rate of speech without any lag time.
update language skills
Research or practice language skills to stay current with language changes in order to best translate or interpret.
Optional knowledge 11 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competenceschuchotage interpreting
The act of providing individual simultaneous interpreting in a low voice to a small audience. This type of interpreting entails no specialised equipment and it is targeted to the few who do not understand the language spoken.
tape transcription
The act of translating spoken utterances into written text format.
unseen translation
The translation technique whereby unseen extracts from Latin and Greek prose or verse are presented to translators for them to translate the excerpts perfectly in a determined language, for instance English. It aims to evaluate vocabulary, grammar, and style and increase linguistic knowledge.
Cross-sector
8 competencesbody language
Notice and interpret the non-verbal signals that people send out with their body, including yourself.
court interpreting
The form of interpreting where it is mandatory to accurately translate everything the source says in order not to mislead the people who have to make judgements on the cases.
linguistics
The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
phonetics
The physical properties of speech sounds such as how their are produced, their acoustic properties and neurophysiological status.
scientific research methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
semantics
The branch of linguistics that studies meaning; it analyses of words, phrases, signs, and symbols and the relation between them.
technical terminology
Type of language used in a certain context, containing terms that have a meaning specific to a particular group or activity, such as in industry, medicine, or law.
Optional skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
4 competencesinterpret languages in conferences
Put into practice techniques for interpreting information, either written or spoken, at conferences. Maintain accuracy and nuances of the message from one language to the other.
interpret languages in live broadcasting shows
Interpret spoken information in live broadcasting outlets whether in a consecutive or simultaneous fashion for interviews, political speeches, and public announcements.
perform sworn interpretations
Interpret discussion and legal trials under the oath that the interpreting activities are performed by somebody endorsed by the local or national authorities.
provide interpreting services in tours
Interpret in other languages information imparted by guides during tours .
Sector-specific
5 competencescreate subtitles
Create and write captions that transcribe the dialogue on television or cinema screens in another language, making sure they are synchronised with the dialogue.
operate audio equipment
Apply technologies for re-creation or recording of sounds, such as speaking, sound of instruments in electrical or mechanical form.
digital
perform sight translation
Read documents aloud in a language different from the language in which the document is written.
provide advocacy interpreting services
Provide language interpretation services aimed at helping people belonging to minority communities get their message across irrespective of the language.
translate texts
Translate text from one language to another, conserving the meaning and the nuances of the original text, without adding, changing or omitting anything and avoiding the expression of personal feelings and opinions.
- Scope note
- It includes understanding and translating the jargon of an industrial or economic domain keeping the kind of professional language at the same level in the translated language.
Cross-sector
15 competencesanswer incoming calls
Respond to customers' inquiries and provide customers with appropriate information.
communicate by telephone
Liaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.
communicate with target community
Identify and implement the best channels of communication for the community you are looking to work with.
conduct scholarly research
Plan scholarly research by formulating the research question and conducting empirical or literature research in order to investigate the truth of the research question.
consult information sources
Consult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.
develop technical glossaries
Organise technical terms used e.g. in scientific and legal settings into terminology databases and glossaries to aid future translations.
liaise with government officials
Consult and cooperate with government officials who handle matter that is relevant to you or your business.
preserve original text
Translate texts without adding, changing or omitting anything. Make sure the original message is conveyed. Don't express your own feelings and opinions.
show intercultural awareness
Show sensibility towards cultural differences by taking actions which facilitate positive interaction between international organisations, between groups or individuals of different cultures, and to promote integration in a community.
translate spoken language
Translate the dialogue between two speakers and the speeches of individuals into written text, oral or sign language in your mother tongue or in a foreign language.
type texts from audio sources
Listen, understand, and type content from audio sources into written format. Keep the overall idea and understanding of the message together with relevant details. Type and listen to audios simultaneously.
use consulting techniques
Advise clients in different personal or professional matters.
use word processing software
Use computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.
digital
write research proposals
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
research