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nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

An "MA in Arabic Translation" is just a generic name; you'll find that master's degrees in the field will have various names but similar content/learning outcomes. Also, Arabic isn't always offered in every translation/interpretation degree program. Anyway, check out the American Translators Association's site (https://www.atanet.org/) for resources on university degree programs.

Abu Hawwa · Joined: 18 Jun 2014 Posts: 12

Yes, I've noticed that. Im going to speak to some advisors who are heads of the Arabic department in some of the universities you mentioned and as well as others.
Hopefully, Ill get an idea on what this career option entails.
Thanks again!

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

It allows for versatility. You could either work strictly in the role of translator, or as a PR or marketing rep, communications specialist, program manager, HR specialist, etc., who is bilingual in Arabic and English.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

What about working for the USA govt? Usajobs.gov

Abu Hawwa · Joined: 18 Jun 2014 Posts: 12

USA government jobs usually won't accept my accreditation in Arabic because
1. It is very specific, Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies is more geared towards classical Islamic/Arabic sciences. The sciences covered, in brief, are: Arabic (incl. grammar, rhetoric, literature, speech, and composition), Tafsîr, Sîrah, Aqîdah, Fiqh, and Hadîth. This includes attendant disciplines (e.g., Usul al-Fiqh and Usul al-Hadith).
Usually government jobs are looking for translators who have a BA in Arabic and know particular dialects like Iraqi, Lebanese, etc.
2. It was acquired through a seminary school, not an college or university.

BTW, I teach Arabic at a seminary school which is why I want to advance and this was the initial reason for me to pursue the CELTA and teach in the Middle East.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

With all the time and effort that you have put into learning the language, adding the credentials for translation is certainly the way to go.

Sadly it puts off your ability to get a better paying job. But, I think it should be worth the time and effort for you.

VS

coder · Joined: 12 Jun 2014 Posts: 94 Location: USA

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Abu Hawwa · Joined: 18 Jun 2014 Posts: 12

Coder, thats true. Thank you for your input. The main reason I studied these sciences is to be a qualified Islamic Scholar. Before completing this 6 year course in Islamic sciences and in preparation for it, I completed the memorization of the entire Quran in Arabic. Most people who go through this course of instruction, usually become Imams, Residential Islamic Scholars for Muslim communities, Islamic Studies teachers, etc.
I am looking at MA programs right now.
I also was thinking about this idea...
I get my CELTA and then start teaching abroad with the hope of saving up 1,000 or more every month. That way, after two years, Ill put myself in good position to go for a MA without taking out loans. I am not very good with loans, it really puts a lot of stress on my mind knowing that I owe someone money.
Any thoughts?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

motarjim1 · Joined: 09 May 2014 Posts: 7

Abu Hawwa · Joined: 18 Jun 2014 Posts: 12

Motarjim1, your name gives away that you have worked as translator Very Happy

.
Thanks for your suggestions.
I do have some experience writing and translating for Islamic sources. We translated portions of Hadith and Tafsir commentaries in our curriculum. Based on my background knowledge of Islam, do you think know of any other route I can take to gain occupation in the Middle East?

coder · Joined: 12 Jun 2014 Posts: 94 Location: USA

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Abu Hawwa · Joined: 18 Jun 2014 Posts: 12

Coder, I may have been unclear by my posts. I completely understand and appreciate the hard work work that it takes to become a TEFL teacher in the Middle East. Trust me, I know that it is not a "gimme" job, not by a long shot. Just as my experience with Quranic and Islamic Sciences took many years to obtain, the same years need to be spent in acquiring a different set of knowledge and skills.
I am simply researching my many different options here in the US and possibly abroad, about teaching English and other options of pursuing a MA, continuation of my current Arabic teaching path, etc.
Again, I fully comprehend that teaching English abroad is not easy but something that requires time, effort, experience, and skill.

motarjim1 · Joined: 09 May 2014 Posts: 7

I won't even go into the situation for ESL instructors here, their salary trends or whether we are slowly being replaced by non-native speakers who request lower salaries Sad

but I will say that the local translation practices are 30 years behind and the price-per-word is still dropping for AR-EN & EN-AR from .04 USD. As coder mentioned, the greater majority of projects will be EN-->AR. You could make .15 USD per-word working from home translating into English for Western companies, but if you come here you will make less translating into your L2 and you will most likely have to sign an agreement restricting your employment to your visa sponsor (maybe someone else can comment on expat work restrictions under Saudi law).

Even though KSA desperately needs native speakers of English to translate into their L1's, and regardless of the fact that the international translation industry views L1-L2 translation with disdain and modern translation theory treats it with contempt, unfortunately the Ministry of Trade will not accredit non-native speakers of Arabic to translate into their native tongue English. They accredit non-native speakers of English to conduct translations into English and the end product is often rubish (i.e., "NO PHOTO" (No photography); In front of a mall: "NO SKIMBOARDING" (No skateboarding); DON'T DRIVE RECKLESS LIFE IS EXPENSIVE (Reckless driving is expensive; it could cost you your life); among other serious errors of direct L1-L2 transfer on billboards nationwide) . Furthermore and as coder mentions, even if you come here to work as a translator, you will only make a small fraction of what you could make working online for clients based in more developed areas of the world, simply because here you will have to compete with Egyptians that ask for almost nothing even though their proficiency in English is probably somewhere around an IELTS 4~5 .

Now, here's an interesting idea: Apply for a teaching position with a K - 12 public education institution in Saudi Arabia. I was just recently asked to do this, but I can't because like most expats, my contract requires that my employment be limited to my visa sponsor.

You could fare quite well I am sure. Illiteracy is rising in the Kingdom and fair share of Arabic instructors here are from Egypt, Syria and Palestine (Saudis teach Arabic too). I think that local colleges and especially k - 12 schools would be willing to hire you because of your professional background and a presumed respect for their traditions.

If you get the job, let me know, I think that you would be the first American to be hired to work as an Arabic instructor at a public institution here.