When studying abroad, try to learn a language: Translator

What all do you do?
The National Institute of Science Communication and Information (NISCAIR) was set up for library, documentation and translation. (The National Science Library is on the same premises.) Then our translation work was initiated by a UN proposal. We started the facility to help Indian scientists. Now, for a fee, we translate scientific material for anybody in the world.

We do translation work in 18 languages, including Japanese, Chinese, French, Russian, German and Spanish. We intend to offer services for Arabic and Korean as well. These two have been approved for inclusion, but we are yet to fill the posts.

Initially, we dealt with hardcore science. But now it can be science and related areas, including an economics paper. We do state-of-the-art reports, strategic documents, and reports for bodies like the Indian Space Research Organisation and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

We certify translation in a limited number of languages. We receive de-registration certificates for vehicles, marksheets and birth certificates, too. 

How many panel translators do you have?About 40 years ago, we had about 35 resident translators. The ranks have depleted to two full-time, in-house people (a Russian language expert and I). Now we rely more on panel translators. We have six vacancies for Chinese, German, French, Russian, Korean and Arabic. The authorities want one in-house person (for a language) for quality control.

We have about 150 active translators across the country for all the covered languages. Empanelment is through a translation test.

We are emphasising more on manpower building to ensure quality and ethical conduct. This year, we started a free, on-going translation training programme for Japanese, French and Russian. We’ll gradually add other languages.

Eight people are enrolled and those who complete the training become our panel translators.

Who are your customers?
Ranbaxy, Shriram Laboratory, Mitsubishi, Honda, Usha, Tata Motors, Tata Steels, Mahindra & Mahindra, embassies, Japan External Trade Organisation, Institute for Plasma Research, Defence Research & Development Organisation, HCL, TVS, TERI, Agmark, Confederation of Indian Industry, FICCI etc.

Do you prefer people with a science background? We prefer it but don’t insist on it. The number of seats for language courses in universities is limited. I don’t say it should be doubled but a moderate increase is required. We are entering the WTO regime, so the knowledge of languages becomes very important.

My advice to students is to learn a language as a second option if they are going abroad to study.