Hailing from a middle-class TamBrahm family, Shreedhar Iyengar, ironically, had no interest in science or maths, although his community members are fabled for their mathematical genius. He always had a leaning towards languages and was talented in mimicking accents. With a bachelor’s in Computer Science, Iyengar did a few stints at different call centres, when he chanced upon the opportunity to do freelancing for websites. Soon he began to do content projects and articles in his free time and joined as an English content specialist with an MNC. That was the start of his foray into the world of content management, technical writing and instructional design.
“It had always been on my mind that a flair for one language is only naturally complemented by the learning of further languages. When my best friend described Japan and its people to me on an official visit there, I was convinced that it was the right language for me to learn — so that I could visit this country, work with its incredible people, and be a linguistic bridge between the people of Japan and the rest of the world. As if I needed any more encouragement, I found out that Japanese content specialists earn four times as much as I did as an English content specialist. There was no turning back after that,” says Iyengar.
Now employed as a Japanese Language Specialist with an IT major, his role involves Japanese -English translation and interpretation and imparting training in Japanese language skills. He completed four levels of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (attending classes on weekends) in two years and holds an N2 certification. He is currently preparing for the final-level, N1.
Challenges
His role as a language specialist comes with its own unique set of challenges, he says. “A translator has the constant challenge of producing highly accurate and easily understandable translations, with very little expertise in the subject matter. As jobs/projects change, the type of industry also changes, and the translator has to constantly be ready to learn and adapt to new environments. An interpreter is expected to perform verbal translation live, between the Japanese and non-Japanese parties, without any time to refer external tools, or reference materials. It is a demanding role, one that involves exceptional fluency, presence of mind and diplomacy.”
But the role of a teacher is one he enjoys most, as the responsibility of conveying the essence of the culture and people who speak the language falls on him. “The teacher has to work hard to come up with new ways of presenting the language in an interesting and easy-to-digest interactive format. I involve my students in a lot of activities, and expose them to various media and study aids, to make language learning interesting and practically effective.”
Skills required
According to Iyengar, “For a language professional, precision, a short learning curve, punctuality, meticulous attention to detail and a constant thirst to learn and adapt are essential skills. Being able to maintain one’s cool even in adverse situations and perform interpretations in a diplomatic and unbiased manner even during unpleasant exchanges between clients, is an additional challenge for an interpreter.
A gamut of options
He says that people with an engineering/technical background can add language skills to their resume, and get hired into IT projects involving non-English speaking clients, that require language knowledge along with technical programming/coding skills. For them, an intermediate knowledge of the language should suffice.
“However, hardcore interpretation and translation requires advanced linguistic ability and certifications, and does not really ask for a specific educational background, as these professionals need to be like chameleons, ready to adapt to any industry. There are also BPOs/KPOs providing service to foreign customers that require specific language skills. Teaching and corporate training are also options.
Remuneration
Starting salaries for JLPT N2/N3 certified translators/interpreters is in the range of `5-6 lakh per annum.
Scope for Japanese
Iyengar informs us that Japanese is the undisputed leader among foreign languages in the job market in Chennai. “There are many Japanese establishments in and around Chennai, with a dedicated SEZ coming up in OMR, and one already existing in the nearby Sri City SEZ in Andhra Pradesh. Starting with Renault-Nissan, Toshiba, Yamaha and Hitachi, the manufacturing/automobile/electronics giants of Japan are all descending upon our State. Many Indian IT majors also have tie-ups for technical support with Japanese companies. There is a heavy demand for language professionals, and very little supply with just a handful of N2 certified professionals in the city. The language’s writing system being notoriously difficult to learn and master, most students underestimate the effort and time involved, and give up in the middle. However, those who
persist, reap rich rewards.” Other than Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Spanish are viable options.
Heads up for students
In his experience, Iyengar advises any student who pursues a new language, to understand and appreciate that mastering a language takes time and effort. It is not possible to master a language in a month or two, just because you have found a job opening that requires the skills.
“Whatever be the position of the student, a college-goer, or a delivery head in an organisation, they should approach the language with the curiosity of a child, and be open to learning the various facets of the language, and firmly believe that they can master it, with time, effort and guidance. Each language is a door to a new culture, to the unique lives of the people that speak that language. Enjoy the learning experience, apply the language skills gained outside the classroom, seek out various ways in which you can be exposed to the language, watch movies and read books, listen to popular music, interact fearlessly with native speakers, and grow into a well-rounded language professional.”
His parting words, “There is incredible gratification in being a linguistic bridge between people. Gambatte kudasai!” (‘All the best’ in Japanese)
— preethi@newindianexpress.com