The field of Translation & Interpretation is as old as human beings are. But as one branch of Applied Linguistics, this field emerged in the developed world during sixties of the previous century.
According to a survey conducted in the year 2000, there were 230 academic institutions world-wide offering interpreter training programs (written translation is not included) in more than 60 countries.
Now this number has increased many-folds, because the field continues gaining popularity and currency as well as it continues to fulfill the social, economic and market needs effectively. In addition, importance of literary & scientific
translation cannot be over emphasized.
In Pakistan there are Arab Embassies and foreign missions that always look for trained and qualified translators and Interpreters. Some Pakistani official Institutions hire the services of translators and Interpreters like:
Foreign office
Ministry of information
Ministry of interior
Ministry of culture
APP
The market niche of Translation & Interpretation in world (& Pakistan no exception) is also a growing trend; be it the translation of testimonials, seminars/conference interpretation, dubbing, subtitling, translation in press,
electronic media, legal & medical domains.
It is observed that there is increasing awareness among the stakeholders, for want of the services of qualified translators to render manuals, books, literary and scientific material.