If you are on the lookout for a new job that will not only push you to your limits of innovative thinking, but also give you a cool and yet-to-be-known title, you are in luck. An agency in London Today Translations put up an ad online seeking an emoji translator. That's right, a person who can translate emoji into different languages.
If it seems quite simple, wait till you hear the rest of the job requirement. The job will also require explaining cross-cultural misunderstandings and preparing monthly reports on emoji trends, development and usage.
"Emoji translation is itself an emerging field – but one dominated to date by software, which is often insensitive to the many cultural differences in usage and interpretation. We are therefore seeking an exceptional individual to provide the human touch needed where translation software is inadequate – and to help us become the go-to translation experts in this area," the job posting reads.
If you are up for a challenge, there is an emoji translator application test by Today Translations to see if you're qualified. Also be informed that applicants will preferably have a Bachelors Degree in Translation or more than three years of experience in the language industry, excellent communication and relation-building skills, flexibility, and commitment to delivering excellence.
If you have the skill sets, you can apply for the job, which will run on a freelance basis with the potential for a full-time post. The company will pay you by the word or emoji and research into emoji culture will be paid by the hour.
Emojis have been around since late 1990s, but available only on Japanese phones. After Apple introduced the new emoji keyboard in 2011, they rose to popularity and people started adding fun to their chats. There are several emojis but their true meaning is usually not understood by many.
For instance, as BBC pointed out, a waving hand emoji could mean both hello and goodbye, but in China it is specifically referred to "bye, you're not my friend anymore." Similarly, dancing women were originally Playboy bunnies, but people have started to refer it to having fun with friends. Some emoji are beyond our understanding, due to which we tend to avoid them in our conversations such as the white flower with Japanese writings on it is a symbol of teacher's stamp to commend their kids for a good homework.
If you are curious about emojis and their meanings, you can refer to Emojipedia, an encyclopedia for emoji.
