Languages are the essence of communication and with Indian companies emerging as global players it is the need of the hour to be well equipped to be able to be at par with the multinational and international players. It is the need of the moment to be able to break the language barrier and be able to facilitate a smooth conversation in order to let proper business communication flow.
On being able to learn a language and have acquired fluency in the same, a person can think of becoming a foreign language specialist, interpreter and translator. There are different fields where one can join after pursuing a language course is entertainment, tourism, public relation, international organizations and publishing houses etc.
The future of learning of foreign languages is at present at an all time high with newer avenues opening up each day. When we talk of learning languages from a career point of view then it is expected of the person to be able to learn new languages fluently and be able to speak the language as well as write it. The study of languages at this level includes learning of communication skills, grammatical structure and being able to comprehend the writing, speaking, listening and reading the language.
Eligibility
In order to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in any foreign language the candidate must have cleared the higher secondary school certificate or 10+2 from a recognized board. The duration of the bachelor’s course is mostly three years.
In order to pursue a Master’s degree in any foreign language the candidates needs to have completed his/ her graduation in a relevant stream (Same language). Usually the duration of the course is two years.
Some of its specialized fields are
- Literature
- Interpretation
- Translation
- Teaching
Job Prospects
The learning of a new language can open quite a number of doors for the person. One can think of applying for the job of a teacher, freelancer, and interpreter or as a translator. Academic qualification and proficiency in a foreign language can open the gates for career in sectors such as tourism, embassies, diplomatic service, entertainment, public relations and mass communication, international organizations, publishing, interpretation and translation, etc. Also there a number of multinational corporate bodies require are in a constant need of candidates who possess excellent language skills in foreign languages.
There is also the option of becoming an online content writer, technical translator or decoder. There are organizations like the United Nations Organization (UNO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and various Indian national organizations such as Ministry of External Affairs, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), etc who are in constant need of professionals who specialize in foreign languages.
On becoming a translator there is an option of working as a scientific, technical or business writer. Research firms, translation bureaus, publishing houses, international organizations, hotel industry, travel and tourism sector and many more also required professional with good foreign language skills.
Some top foreign languages to learn
- French
- German
- Russian
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Spanish
- Korean
- Portuguese
Pay scales
Early on in the career a person can expect to be paid somewhere between Rs. 10,000 to 15,000. Also foreign language experts can think of working with embassies can receive a similar pay to that of a fresher. Translators are paid between Rs 100 to 300 per page. Interpreters generally earn around Rs 700 to 1000 per hour. (even more)
Like most other careers, experience in the field will bring in better paying jobs.
Universities / Institutes in India offering foreign language courses
- School of Languages, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Jawaharlal Nehru Academy of Languages, New Delhi
- Japanese Information and Cultural Centre, New Delhi
- Ram Krishna Mission, Kolkata
- Alliance Francaise
- Rajasthan University, Jaipur
- Max Mueller Bhavan in Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Chennai
- Pune University, Pune
- Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad
- Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce, Mumbai
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi