The Linguist

Chartered Institute of Linguists SPRING 2026 The Linguist 23 but it makes it time-consuming to manage glossaries and translation memories as terms need to be amended or erased. So, go for it as long as you don't mind researching terms that will soon be obsolete, or confusing scientific jargon you may never need again! Business and creative types Linguists who err more towards business assignments will find a flourishing industry where companies looking to sell their new technologies to other countries, find investors or buy materials are always seeking language services. The good thing about this sector for interpreters is that a lot of the work is remote – no hard hats or high-vis jackets needed! Furthermore, the comparable lack of technical language and rather formulaic nature of most business assignments mean that this is probably the most accessible area of the renewables sector for unspecialised linguists to get their foot in the door and gain knowledge. Another non-technical type of translation for the creatively inclined is in marketing for renewables businesses or organisations. Here, copywriting and design abilities can flourish. I have noticed a recent surge in attempts by the sustainability sector to inform consumers and make green concepts more accessible, for example through information campaigns or fun packaging (e.g. for meat alternatives). The challenge with both business and creative translation is that there are many more non-specialist linguists to compete with, so work will likely be harder to come by. However, with some general learning, these sectors are easily added to our repertoire. There are numerous free courses online, some even quite technical, on how different renewable energies work and many other aspects of sustainability. These can provide a linguist looking to enter more general fields of sustainable translation with most of the knowledge required to begin taking on tasks. Multilingual specialists Truly specialised multilingualism is a lucrative and sought-after skill. Those of a scientific inclination looking to specialise in a reliable, future-proof field could hardly do better than doing an in-depth course (e.g. a PGCert) in renewable technologies, or even a Master's. Properly specialising in renewables requires constant studying, because new technologies, using totally different products, are constantly emerging. It is vital to keep up with consumer trends, developments and new products in different countries, government grants and guidelines, and international goals. And that's for each type of renewable energy! There are several great newspapers and magazines – some general, some dedicated to one type of renewable – that can help us stay up-to-date. The good news is that each new technology you learn about opens the door to branch into that field. It's a delicate balance to keep all the plates spinning. The beautiful thing about being a linguist, however, is that we are able to just dabble in these sorts of things – we do not need to be complete experts. And, through translating, we are afforded the opportunity to learn about new ideas. Getting started There are various ways to enter the sector. For example, there are many agencies dedicated to the life sciences that offer specialist linguistic services in sustainability, though these are likely only to take on linguists with qualifications in the field. Reaching out to start- ups, entrepreneurs and green organisations is a good way to find direct clients who may be less exigent on training and afford a good opportunity to gain experience. Additionally, you may consider volunteer translations for NGOs or other organisations that are often happy to receive free translations of their work to spread their messages. Many universities offer short courses or summer schools on renewables. For example, last summer I went to the Naturgy Solar Farm in Southern Spain as part of the University of Almería's summer school training programme. I would also recommend Dr Maureen Cohen's webinar about the complexities of coordinating communication in the industry, 'Do You Speak Sustainability?', which is available in the CIOL archives. Translating in the renewables sector is an ever-changing, ever-exciting endeavour that allows us linguists to feel at the vanguard of a huge technological shift. It is a rewarding sector which brings a real sense that we are helping to bring about positive change in the world. This industry is going to grow exponentially over the coming decades as the race to net zero accelerates. The question is, will you make the most of this opportunity or let the green transition pass your business by? the renewable energy sector for linguists of all kinds © SHUTTERSTOCK

• Cover