Is it enough to know a foreign language in order to be an interpreter? (Сочинения ЕГЭ английский язык)

Nowadays, when the question of whether it is possible to be a great interpreter just knowing some language inside out has become a matter of heated debates, most people believe that speaking a foreign language fluently is enough to be good at it. Still, others claim that it is necessary to have some special characteristics and skills so as to be a professional.

Personally, I share the second opinion and, to my mind, in order to be an expert interpreter it is a must to be a man of multiple (numerous) attainments. First and foremost, showing such personality traits as great flexibility, leniency and diplomatic finesse is important. What is more, people, whose occupation is oral translating, should be skilled at being party to negotiations. In addition, it is also essential to be sociable and intelligent because interpreters have to react and think quickly.

However, opponents of this point of view consider that knowing target languages thoroughly is the key to success.

According to this perspective, people having an immense vocabulary can express their thoughts easily and a language proficiency is believed to lead to a successful communication with foreigners so there should not occur any confusing situations with naive speakers. Besides, employers in this sphere firstly consider people’s language proficiency and only then they take into account their disposition and characteristics.

Nevertheless, these arguments do not sound reasonable enough due to the following logical assumptions. Generally, specific terminology is used in a particular sphere of occupation - this kind of vocabulary is taught in universities. Also, socially significant qualities are even more important than language skills.

In conclusion, although opinions may differ, I am sure that being an interpreter requires various skills as this profession is really miscellaneous.

260 words