The Higher Options expo this year will see a collective representation from the European Union’s organisations, aimed at attracting Irish graduates to consider a career in interpreting in Brussels. The expo, which attracts up to 30,000 Irish students, presents a platform for them to interact with delegates from third-level institutions spanning Ireland, the UK, and both continental Europe and beyond.
With the biggest interpreting service globally, as stated by careersportal.ie, the EU institutions ensure accurate interpretation of discussions in all official EU languages during meetings, using either simultaneous or consecutive interpreting methods. EU interpreters need to possess effective communication skills, understand diverse and often intricate matters, quickly adjust to shifting situations, and thrive under pressure both independently and within a team.
EU institutions are seeking potential candidates who excel in problem-solving and analysis, can distinguish the essential facts in complicated matters, and devise innovative and applicable resolutions. Salaries can vary from €31,000 to €100,000 per annum based on experience. Starting salaries for new appointees are around €2,300 a month, €4,500 for a graduate administrator role, and can go up to €16,000 monthly for certain upper-level administrations.
Hanna-Liisa Glaser, spokesperson for Logistics and Interpretation for Conferences Directorate-General at the European Parliament, expressed that their presence at the Higher Options expo aims to elevate the profile of interpreting as a career choice. Ms Glaser confirmed that interpretation is in demand in the parliament where she works, as well as in the European Commission and the EU Court of Justice. The EU institutions are not only in need of English interpreters but also require those fluent in Irish.
Gaelic speakers are highly sought after in locations such as Brussels and even as far off as Greece. This is due to the urgent need for Irish language interpreters. With an acute shortage of Irish translators and interpreters, attempts are being made to attract individuals with the appropriate linguistic skills to consider this career path.
The European Union consists of 27 member nations and features 24 official languages. Every EU institution is obligated to provide interpreters for all these languages based on necessity and demand. Ms. Glaser, a seasoned interpreter, emphasises the significance of such professionals in a multilingual union where every member is valued equally and has the right to express in their native tongue in the parliament. She reinforces that it wouldn’t be just for constituents to vote based on their proficiency in a foreign language, but their political ideologies.
Furthermore, taking into account the fact that many EU citizens aren’t fluent in a foreign language, having sufficient interpreters and translators becomes essential for inclusivity. For one to qualify as an interpreter for European institutions, a master’s level degree in interpreting is required, irrespective of their major in the first degree. However, they should possess the necessary language competencies. Following course completion, individuals can seek accreditation at the European institutions wherein their interpretation abilities will be assessed.
Many aspiring professionals often initiate their careers as freelance interpreters for these institutions and eventually become permanent staff members subject to requirements. With a 15year long career as an interpreter, Ms. Glaser presents a unique insight into the role. According to her, it is fast-paced job, with each day offering something different, which in turn adds to the dynamic nature of the profession.
It’s essential to continue growing within this profession, with constant learning and awareness about global affairs being crucial. This is particularly important as interpreters don’t often have pre-prepared scripts and can be required to interpret any subject matter.
The role calls for a significant amount of groundwork, yet the thrilling and dynamic nature of the task and the immense satisfaction it provides for language enthusiasts make it worthwhile. It demands more than just knowledge of language; a deep understanding of the culture is equally important.
The task requires more than just simple translation of words or phrases. The key lies in making sense of the messages, not just the veracity of words. As she elaborates, ‘It’s essential to explore the implied meaning rather than simply interpreting verbatim. We aren’t mere dictionaries, there’s more to it than meets the eye.’
Understanding the underlying intent of the communication between two non-native speakers is crucial for effective interpretation. The primary focus is conveying messages over mere vocabulary.
For those passionately invested in languages, skilled communicators, or those keen to explore the world or possibly delve into politics, it’s an ideal vocation.
The EU institutions’ stand at Higher Options whilst concentrating on interpretation, shall also offer insights about translation. Ms Glaser clarified, “Interpreters focus on spoken language whereas translators deal with written language. However, the objective remains the same — promoting multilingualism, one of EU’s core principles.”
Translators at varied EU institutions and bodies operate in a demanding and multicultural framework. They render comprehensible EU policies to 500 million Europeans across different EU nations, as stated on Careersportal.ie.
EU linguists have a pivotal role in inculcating EU policy and legislation and reinforce multilingual communication across Europe. The job, subject to tight deadlines, could involve translation of a wide array of political, legal, financial, scientific and technical texts, and offer extensive linguistic advice to peers. The annual pay scale varies from €27,000 to €54,000 based upon experience.
In 2022, the Irish language was given equal status with the European Union’s other 23 official languages, necessitating the translation of all legislations into Irish. This step has unlocked new job opportunities for graduates keen on working with the language.
The Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 mandates that by the 31st of December, 2030, the Irish public service sector must consist of a minimum of 20% Irish-speaking recruits. This regulation is aimed at ensuring that superior quality services can be offered to the public in Irish.
There lies an imminent “critical period” during which the Government needs to bolster the linguistic rights of the Irish-speaking community, as highlighted in remarks made by An Coimisinéir Teanga, Séamas Ó Concheanainn. Ó Concheanainn emphasised that to bridge the significant gaps in public services for Irish speakers, the Government would need to address the “constant trend” and the nature of complaints his office receives each year.
The general secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge, Julian de Spáinn, referred to the new regulation as a “revolutionary” step. He iterated the necessity to be audacious and work towards achieving the 20% target that has been set. “The Government’s intended course of action will become clear when they release their national plan, which hasn’t yet been published.
In de Spáinn’s view, there has been a distinct lack of specific public services for the Irish-speaking community. He states this law is unprecedented, as it is the first to facilitate the provision of services to Irish speakers. This vital step is aimed at ensuring the survival and flourishing of people from Gaeltacht areas. He pointed out the dwindling number of daily speakers in such areas with each recent Census, which needs to be addressed.
There has been a significant lack of capability to offer services in Irish since the 1970s, and the provision of such services has continually declined. In many respects, according to de Spáinn, its provision is virtually non-existent at present.
De Spáinn proposed that a revision of its position in the education system could be an effective way to address issues surrounding the provision of Irish-language services. He suggested adopting a system akin to the European Common Framework of Languages, which focuses on competency. This skills-based approach is becoming increasingly popular across Europe.
“We advocate for a harmonisation of our education system, spanning kindergarten to tertiary institutions, with the broader European framework. This restructuring would ensure that we have school leavers who are fit to provide services in Irish. Additionally, students who fail to achieve this standard would have a clear understanding of their place on the educational ladder and the steps required to acquire proficiency in Irish.”
On expanding Irish language delivery, he insisted that more university programmes should be offered in Irish. He further recommended the introduction of Irish language courses especially for students in tertiary institutions studying public sector-related courses like medicine. Such additions would facilitate their attainment of the necessary proficiency level in Irish.
People’s pride in the language has significantly increased and public embracement is becoming commonplace, an evident shift drived by reduced public inhibition, a development Julian de Spáinn highlights as advantageous.
He stated: “Our aim is to make the acquisition of language proficiency achievable, whether the learning is institution-based or informal, or during or after school. For instance, in Wales, language courses in Welsh are freely accessible to anyone under 25 years old or to anyone in education.”
The Act necessitates that public bodies allocate 20 per cent of their yearly advertising to Irish, increasing the language’s visibility. De Spáinn pointed out that this has led to a resurgence in its uptake domestically. He further added, “We have seen and heard the language more frequently than in the past. This enhanced exposure has stimulated a renewed wave of interest in the language.”
Highlighting the recent popularity surge the language experienced thanks to the Irish-speaking rap group Kneecap and the Oscar-nominated film An Cailín Ciúin, Mr de Spáinn recounted: “The humour in the Kneecap film has been likened to that in the Irish version of Trainspotting, showing the language from a fresh perspective. Coupled with the attention An Cailín Ciúin received, these achievements have reinvigorated the conversation around the language.”
The pride people take in their language has never been higher, and the reluctance to use it in public has significantly reduced – a positive development indeed. My long-held belief is that as our world contracts due to the internet and travel, individuals increasingly seek to discover what truly defines them.