Submitted By: Asad Mahmood (BS English 5)

What is Role of a Linguist in a language?

Linguists work with languages in a variety of different capacities and across a broad
swath of industries. They work as researchers, translators, interpreters, and more. Linguists are
detail oriented and value communication over most other talents. This is a skilled position that
requires specific training and education in the linguist’s preferred language. The settings where
linguists work can vary depending on their specific job responsibilities. For example, an interpreter
may work in a court room, while a translator may work in an office. Many linguists are self-
employed, in which case they only report to themselves and their clients. Those employed by
corporations typically report to linguist supervisors or project managers.

Linguist Duties and Responsibilities

Specific job duties for linguists vary based on their employer and location. However, there are
several core tasks common to all linguists, such as:

Interpret Spoken Language

Linguists who act as interpreters are primarily responsible for translating spoken language in real
time between two separate parties. This can be carried out in a variety of different situations, such
as courtroom hearings, business meetings, and more.

Translate Written Language

Linguist who act as translators are often responsible for translating written documents. This
includes reading the original document and ensuring the translated document contains the same
information.

Translate Audio Records to Written Documents

Some linguists are responsible for listening to audio records and translating them to written form.
This typically includes listening to the recording several times to ensure they understand its full
context and can translate the recording accurately.

Train Junior Linguists

Linguists may be responsible for training new or junior linguists in the proper processes and
procedures used by their current employer. This training might include introducing junior linguists to
the context behind translation activities.
 Submitted By: Asad Mahmood (BS English 5)

Report to Supervisors

After translating documents or spoken words, linguists may be responsible for creating reports and
presentations for their direct supervisors. These reports usually require the linguist to explain the
full context behind the situation and include any pertinent cultural or unspoken implications
contained within the original situation.

Linguist Skills and Qualifications

Linguists are natural-born communicators and enjoy taking the time to make sure everyone’s voice
is heard. They think quickly and can analyze several things simultaneously. Employers tend to
value experience over education, but a degree in the secondary language is helpful in gaining
employment as a linguist. Employers also prefer to hire those with the following skills and
qualifications:

 Language fluency – linguists are required to be fluent in at least one language other than
their first language. However, many linguists are fluent in more than one foreign language, and
some employers require them to be. Check job postings for language requirements

 Translating and interpreting experience – most employers tend to value previous

experience over education. Linguists know how to interpret in real time and know how to recognize
context and language intricacies

 Active listening skills – linguists employ active listening skills to understand the full
context of the situation. Active listening helps linguists understand the underlying context, tone, and
inflections to the spoken word that influence overall meaning

 Communication skills – linguists are skilled communicators in both spoken and written
language. They know how to convey an idea appropriately and efficiently so everyone clearly
understands it

 Organization skills – linguists are highly organized and know how to keep track of all the
moving parts of the translation and interpretation process