Every aspiring United Nations Interpreter is required to take an exam so that their ability to perform the role at this official level may be evaluated. A UN interpreter has one of the most competitive and demanding roles, so how can you best prepare yourself to stand out among the competition?
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The United Nations operates with 6 official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. These are the languages in which the Language Competitive Examinations (LCEs) are offered, an examination that is a required evaluation for those applying to become an interpreter for the organization. Through these exams, aspiring interpreters of the UN must exhibit flawless command of at least one of the six official languages, and must also prove exceptional knowledge of two others. The format of the exams will differ based on language, and the setup of the exam in a given language is never the same. This can make the preparation for these exams seem daunting, but it is a way to ensure that those who pass the exam are absolutely qualified to interpret at this level. Before taking the exam, one of the best ways to prepare is to research the position of a UN interpreter so that you Understand The Role. UN interpreters are not only expected to have mastery-level skills in their languages but also extensive knowledge of the work that the UN is involved in, particularly international affairs. This involves specialized vocabulary in multiple fields, in each language that the interpreter provides. Successful interpreters never stop researching and learning UN-specific terminology, current events, and cultural differences in the languages they need to be prepared for. Get accustomed to regularly searching for information that will be useful in this work.
The LCE for interpreters includes a written and oral portion. Therefore, the next important part of preparation for the examination is to Complete Multiple Practice Examinations. Examples of past examinations can be found on the UN careers website (https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=LCRSE). The written portion of the examination for interpreters will include a simultaneous interpretation, so although these examples are found in text format, you should practice speaking your interpretation instead of translating it by hand. Record yourself interpreting the sample text, so that you can play back your attempt and recognize your delivery. Certain aspects to improve upon should be speed, accuracy, grammatical correctness, and diction. With continued practice, this will strengthen your confidence in your speech when interpreting what you see.
The other part of the process is the oral examination. This is executed in an interview setting, similar to applying for any job. You should be prepared to explain and show how your skills, experience and understanding of the role have prepared you for the stress and responsibility that come with this role.
While challenging, becoming a UN interpreter can be the opportunity of a lifetime. What are your thoughts on the complex requirements and examination process for UN interpreters? Share your thoughts below!
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