Linguist

Language practitioners render specialised language and communication services over a broad spectrum of fields, for example, interpreting, translating, language training, copywriting, creative writing, language research, publicity, development of literary and language programmes, developing computer assisted language packages and providing organisations with language-related advice.

South Africa has 11 official languages, which means language practitioners are needed at all levels in the public and private sectors. Institutions such as Parliament, the State Language Services, the National Terminology Services, provincial governments, the CSIR, HSRC, SABC, universities and universities of technology all make extensive use of language practitioners, as do private institutions such as banks, insurance companies and the media.

Language practitioners in African languages, English and Afrikaans are usually in high demand, but those with other languages such as French, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, Russian and Spanish are also needed.

Personal Requirements

excellent language and communication skills
trustworthy and responsible
patient and tactful
good command of languages and fluency in speech
good general knowledge
versatile enough to be able to cope with texts in a variety of fields
able to pay careful attention to detail
able to do research on the content and back ground of a text

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

What to Study

Degree: BA in Languages - most universities.Language Practice - UFS, Applied Language Studies - Wits, NMMU, Linguistics - RU, UKZN, US, UZ, Wits, UJ, UNISA.

Diploma: Language Practice - CUT, DUT and VUT.

Employment

any sector where language and general communication services are rendered
schools and universities
non-governmental organisations
banks and insurance companies
international political organisations
embassies and consulates
parliament and other government departments
tour agencies and the tourism industry
self-employment, if qualified and experienced enough, can start own enterprise

Further Information

The South African Translators’ Institute
PO Box 31360, Bloemfontein, 9317, South Africa
Tel: (011) 522-2168
www.translators.org.za

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
O R Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria, 0084
Tel: (012) 351-1000
www.dfa.gov.za

Getting Started

hone your language skills and practise interpreting and translating by listening to radio programmes in other languages
arrange to speak to language practitioners about this career and do holiday or part-time work

Programmes by Study Institutions

Durban University of Technology

Nelson Mandela University

North-West University

Rhodes University

Stellenbosch University

Premier

Tshwane University of Technology

Premier

University of Johannesburg

Premier

University of South Africa