Five Careers Where the Korean Language Will Take You Far
Korean is an East Asian language spoken by about 77 million people and 5.6 million consider Korean as a Heritage Language. It is the official and national language of both Koreas: North Korea and South Korea, with different standardized official forms used in each country. Of the 3000 languages in use currently, Korean is known to be the 13th most commonly used language. It is a recognised minority language in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture and Changbai Korean Autonomous County of Jilin Province, China. It is also spoken in parts of Sakhalin, Russia and Central Asia. The English word “Korean” is derived from Goryeo, which is thought to be the first Korean dynasty known to Western nations. Korean people in the former USSR refer to themselves as Koryo-saram and/or Koryo-in and call the language Koryo-mal. Historical and modern linguists classify Korean as a language isolate. Modern Korean is understood to have descended from the Middle Korean, which emerged from the Old Korean, which itself, culminated from the Proto-Koreanic language, that is suggested to have its linguistic homeland somewhere in Manchuria.
Let's now see which all careers can you opt for?
Korean language experts can look for jobs in Translation, which involves working with documents in at least two written languages, such as textbooks, instruction manuals, and newspaper articles. The translation is a profession that appeals to everyone because it allows them to work remotely and on their own schedule (freelance basis). Translation is a highly competitive and dynamic job that works best when one chooses to specialise in a specific domain (law, science, medicine, education) in order to target a specific niche. Avid travellers often find success as translators in the foreign country where they live.
You could also consider working as an interpreter, someone who works with at least two spoken languages. An interpretation job, unlike a translation job, is critical, time-sensitive, and less flexible. In conferences and courtrooms, interpreters must be present in a person with the employer. The most popular type of interpretation is simultaneous interpretation, in which a language is decoded as it is spoken, as in the case of UN interpreters. You are considered skilled if you are able to smoothly convey the words and personality of the person for whom you’re interpreting, effectively without being felt around. This requires a great grasp of the knowledge in terms of comfort with speaking, ability to decipher non-standard accents, knowledge and presence of mind, to find apt and equivalent expressions across languages, on the spot. Interpretation has less competition due to the excellence needed but is an exceptionally demanding and pressured field.
Apart from these, Korean language learners can also opt to work at consulates and embassies as administrative staff. If Korean is an add on to an existing, competitive, appropriate qualification you could apply for a Consul, Ambassador or Diplomat positions.
Learners are advised to bear in mind that these positions accept applicants through a rigorous examination process.
Korean learners who have cleared their C1/C2 with stellar performance can opt to become a Korean teacher in their country of residence or choose to be an ESL teacher, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in any Korean-speaking country.
Multilingual tour guides are in high demand in places such as museums and monuments. If you enjoy interacting with people and learning about different cultures, becoming a tour guide for the town’s Korean tourists may be a position to consider.
Finally,
Remember learning Korean gives you potential access to over 70 million native Korean speakers worldwide. Korean culture is known to be one of the friendliest and most respectful cultures in the world. Korea is a major player in the world economy, so if you are aiming for a career that involves Korean, I suggest, go for it! While Korean a great language to learn – it’s also one of the most difficult one to master, for a native English speaker (along with Japanese and Finnish). Besides, there could be another great need for Korean speakers with international capabilities when (and if) NK either falls apart or opens up. So what are you waiting for?
Start learning from today!
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