Foreign language adds value to YOUR profession

FAST FACTS
Programme: BA, Diploma, Certificate in Foreign Languages
Languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Persian, Arabic
Eligibility: Class 10+2 Best colleges: Delhi University, JNU, Jamia Millia University, EFLU
Job profiles: Translator, interpreter, teacher Employers: Schools, Universities, Indian Armed Forces, RAW, Paramilitary Forces, Embassy/High Commissions, Call Centres, MNCs, Tourism, India’s Foreign Ministry, UN Organisations

AS a freelance Spanish language expert, what can Shivanand Datte expect? “I can earn more than an engineer,” says Shivanand, playfully. He invests his day translating, interpreting or teaching Spanish at various places. He has even translated the divorce document of a customer, charging Rs 600 a page! Alongside regular translations, he also uses his language expertise to help an import/ export company.

“A lot of their business depends on me. I talk to Latin America clients over phone or Skype. I act like an interpreter between the two parties,” Shivanand reveals.  Four days at the company office earns him Rs 18,000 to 20,000!

 
Businesses need language experts
Students join language courses for diverse reasons. Jitendra Kumar, a third year BA Spanish student at JNU, wants to acquire a degree and work at an MNC. Arpita Dasgupta, Editor at Terragreen, learned Spanish to fulfil an innate passion to know the culture of Latin America where she plans a long vacation. Smita Mathur, 23, a German Expert at Deutsche Bank was smitten by the craze to study a second language in college. Today, she converses in fluent German with her colleagues at work. “I translate all fax payments from Germany. And talk over issues related to transactions with German relationship managers,” shares Smita. A host of MNCs with back-end offices in India are looking to hire language professionals who can simplify linguistic barriers required for smooth business communication. Languages in demand are French, German and Spanish. There is also a dearth of language teachers in schools, universities and language coaching centres. So learning a foreign language is not only a way to fulfil your passion but also to earn an attractive salary.  

Languages in demand today
According to Dr. Kusum Aggarwal, HoD of Germanic & Romance Studies, Delhi University, Spanish has a good scope because India is open to Latin American countries for trade and economic relations. “The support of language experts comes handy. And languages like French and German are historically familiar, so many opt it as well,” she shares. Prof. Prachi Goswami, German Language Dept, IIS University, Jaipur stresses the demand for German language experts. “MNCs like Bosch, Deutsche Bank regularly recruit our language graduates for varied jobs. Since Jaipur is a tourist spot, our students frequently get absorbed in guiding jobs,” shares Prof. Goswami. The market needs for language experts depend a lot on international and economic ties with a particular country.

 

Language courses
There are numerous options to learn a foreign language. Initially, one can kick start by picking up optional language course at school itself. Afterwards, at college level you can either opt for a Bachelor’s, diploma, certificate or add-on courses. Most diploma and certificate courses are available in condensed form and take less time. Delhi University, JNU, Jamia Millia University, EFLU offer best BA courses in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese,  Persian, Arabic. The fee structure varies hugely from public to private institutes. At JNU, a language student pays Rs 500-550 annually, while at private language institutes like Alliance Française (French), Instituto Hispania (Spanish) and Max Mueller Bhavan (German), it maybe Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per year.    

Talk to native speakers, learn the nuances
Some universities also engage in foreign student exchange programmes, which open up a platform to meet students from other nations. Both Kusum and Prachi have common sentiments – mixing with native people helps their students become fluent and confident. Picking up nuances of a language make a huge difference. After finishing BA English with German as elective, Smita joined an advanced diploma course at Max Mueller Bhawan, Pune. She shares her memorable experiences. “Here I learnt everything practically – Translated songs, participated in plays, watched movies in German. This exercise improved my speaking and reading expressions,” she recalls. Typically, the entry to the top universities is through entrance test. It comprises GK, reasoning, grammar and comprehension.  

Job opportunities
If you have good language skills, then you can use it to be an interpreter, translator or teacher for a wide range of careers. Language experts are called at schools, universities, Indian Armed Forces, RAW, paramilitary forces, embassies, multinational companies, call centres, entertainment, tourism, India’s External Affairs Ministry, United Nations Organization and other bodies.  Interpreters can make Rs. 1,000 per hour to Rs. 25,000 a day and translators charge on a per word basis (from 60 paise to Rs. 5 per word). At KPOs, you can earn about 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs per annum. 

Practice makes you perfect
To be an expert in any language, practice is key.  Prof. Kusum’s advice to language aspirants, “A language student must be regular for his classes. He must be eager to read about the culture of a particular country to grasp every expression.”
 

SMITA MATHUR German Expert at Deutsche Bank "I translate all fax payments from Germany. And talk over issues related to transactions with relationship managers who sit in Germany"