• Receiving and transmitting not only the spoken words, but also the attitude and demeanour of the witness or speaker.



• Facilitating communication within a multi-language environment.



• Translating a message into another language, while the speaker continues. The interpreter has to remember what the speaker has said, understand and relay the core of the message, and at the same time listen to the speaker’s next sentence.



• Listening to a message with the aid of headpiece, and translating via a microphone. Delegates are thus able to listen to the discussion in a language of their choice.



• Performing clerical duties, such as the enrolment of court cases.



• Filing of court records.

Requirements

Secondary Education
The minimum requirement for an interpreter is a Grade 10 certificate , or equivalent qualification. For more senior positions a Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with relevant experience is required for court interpreters.

Recommended subjects
Good marks in two or more languages (South Africa)
English and at least two other indigenous languages (Namibia)

Tertiary Education
In-service training is provided by some institutions in Namibia. In South Africa prospective court interpreters can study a three year diploma in Legal Interpreting at various universities. Post-graduate studies can be completed at the Universities of Orange Free State and Witwatersrand.

Personality
The prospective candidate must have an aptitude for languages and a sound general knowledge. He/she should have a good memory and the ability to appear in public.

Work Opportunities
Interpreters are mainly employed at courts, large conferences, tour agencies and some government departments.

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