When I graduate in the Fall of 2019, a new year will be just around the corner. In 2020, it is my vision to apply for an organization that works to preserve languages all over the world. One of the institutions that I've been interested in is Wycliffe Translators. Wycliffe has many career opportunities. The job I am aiming for is in language surveying. There are a few different kinds of language surveyors: linguistics/translation workers, field linguists, and junior field linguists.
I am planning on applying for a linguistics worker position. Here is the career description:
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an individual to participate in the early stages of a language program, with a view to being part of a translation team. As Linguistics Worker, you can use your skills to provide linguistic data vital to the translation process in various communities worldwide.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Gather, organize, analyze, and archive linguistic data,
including texts.
Gather, organize, analyze, and archive cultural data.
Gain proficiency in a national and/or local language and
culture.
Where there is no established orthography and program goals
involve literacy, develop a written form for the host language, under the
supervision of an experienced orthography consultant and in conjunction with
the appropriate authorities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Undergraduate degree preferred.
Self-directed language and culture learner.
Able to use library and internet resources to obtain and
organize data.
Able to make reliable phonetic transcriptions and good
electronic recordings, do phonological and morphosyntactic analysis and
write-ups, and inter-linearize texts.
Able to use software tools related to linguistic analysis
and general writing.
TRAINING
Successful completion of the following courses:
Articulatory Phonetics
Computer Data Management
Cultural Anthropology
Language and Culture Learning
Language and Society
Linguistic Field Methods
Morphology and Syntax
Phonology
Semantics and Pragmatics
Translation Principles, Theory and Practice
How does studying abroad in Israel help reach these goals? Well, studying abroad in any country is a very good plus for students who want to have a career in some form of international field work. By studying at BGU Negev, I will be getting experience that I couldn't get back in the states. Spending time in another country for six months or more builds up maturity, self drive, and independece. In order to be a self driven language and culture learner, one has to be immersed into the society in which these things are practiced. Learning linguistic and cultural competency techniques through experience is vital.
In regard to classes, BGU Negev has linguistic courses as part of the international students program. They have classes in semantics and pragmatics, which I have yet to take. Those two fields of linguistics are an important part of translation, as well as a training requirement at Wycliffe.
There are many more reasons why studying abroad will influence my future. Living in Israel, the Land of the Bible, studying at a world-renouned university, and showing the ability to acheive whatever I put my greatest effort into will not only look good on a resume, but also my life story.
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