Selecting the correct career is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.

Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will speak with business people, professionals and others, focusing on a specific career every week.

By doing this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices. This week, we look at the career of a language practitioner. Donald Zwane has been a qualified language practitioner for four years.

“Growing up, I was always drawn to languages and communication, but a pivotal moment came when I saw someone interpreting in court. Watching how they bridged the gap between the legal system and someone who could not speak the language struck a chord in me.

“I saw the power of language and not just as words, but as a tool for access to justice and human dignity,” he explained.

What is language practice?
IT is the practical application of language skills in fields such as translation, interpreting, editing and communication management. It can also refer to using a language to improve fluency – speaking, listening, reading and writing – to become more proficient.

What does a language practitioner do?
They perform communication functions in multiple languages.

What skills are needed to succeed in this profession?
• Linguistic: Excellent command of at least two languages, strong writing and editing abilities and knowledge of translation techniques;
• Research: Ability to find accurate information, especially terminology or subject-specific concepts;
• Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and software;
• Communication: For working with clients, collaborators, or managing feedback;
• Adaptability and learning mindset: Language is always evolving. Being open to learning new terms, software and industry updates is critical;
• Time management;
• Copywriting;
• Text editing and proofreading;
• Language planning and management;
• Subtitling and audio description.

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What other interests or knowledge are vital for this career?
Being multilingual and learning more about other cultures and beliefs.

Where can I study to become a language practitioner?
At any institution of higher learning. The Tshwane University of Technology also offers the course.

Which high school subjects help prepare for this career?
English (HL) and any other languages offered in a school.

What are the primary roles and responsibilities of a language practitioner?
• Translator: Converts written texts from one language to another;
• Interpreter: Converts spoken language in real-time (simultaneously or consecutively);
• Editor: Reviews and improves the clarity, style, grammar and structure of written content;
• Proofreader: Checks for final grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting errors before publication;
• Terminologist: Develops and manages specialised vocabulary databases for consistent use;
• Language consultant: Advises on language use, policy, tone and multilingual communication strategies;
• Subtitler/captioner: Adds accurate, time-synced subtitles or captions to audiovisual content;
• Localisation specialist: Adapts content (software, websites, ads) for cultural and regional relevance.

Primary responsibilities:
• Meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work under time constraints;
• Collaborating with clients and teams to clarify expectations and resolve linguistic issues;
• Keeping up with language trends and updating knowledge on grammar, style and use;
• Creating and managing glossaries or termbases for organisations or projects;
• Adapting content for different audiences, platforms or regions (localisation);
• Maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards, especially in sensitive or legal contexts.

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What skills are essential?
You must have skills for translating and proofreading; they are very tricky.

How can a language practitioner advance in their career?
One can start a company offering book editing services or translation services for tourists or those who do not understand a certain language. They can also venture into foreign languages, so that it is easy to communicate with others when you visit foreign countries.

Where do language practitioners work?
• Government and public sector;
• Educational and academic institutions;
• Corporate and private sectors;
• Media, publishing and entertainment;
• Freelance and remote work;
• Healthcare sector.

What qualifications or certifications are recommended?
You must have a degree or diploma in language practice or communication studies.