LANG3007 Translation: Theory and Practice

Module Overview

Aims and Objectives

Module Aims

introduce you to theoretical concepts relevant to practical translation • encourage you to evaluate and apply theoretical concepts to improve your own practical translation performance • raise your awareness of different types of texts (both written and oral) and approaches and strategies for translating them • develop your awareness of the skills required of a professional translator

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the types of difficulties encountered when translating texts aimed at the general public
the differences of style and convention in written forms between English and other languages in a variety of genres
the variety of reference materials and tools available to translators
aspects of translation theory and terminology relevant to practical translation

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

present written work to a professional standard of presentation
communicate ideas and arguments orally and in writing
demonstrate interpersonal skills whilst working with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence
demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness both in collaborative activities and independent study
work effectively to deadlines

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

provide competent translations of general texts
operate as a reliable translator in a semi-professional context
make effective use of written and online resources in translation

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

recognise translation difficulties and evaluate alternatives for dealing with them
describe, analyse and explain the nature of translation difficulties both informally in discussion and formally in writing
refer to aspects of translation theory in evaluating strategies for dealing with certain types of text
recognise and handle different registers and genres in both the Source and Target Languages of texts for translation

Syllabus

Translation plays a major role in the exchange and circulation of practical information and culture production. This means that even if they do not enter the translation profession, in a society that is increasingly global, Modern Linguists are frequently called upon at some time to translate texts for formal or informal purposes in a variety of careers and voluntary capacity. This module will introduce you to a number of issues that need to be considered when undertaking translation between languages (interlingual translation). It will consider what is expected of a good translation and the on-going debate of how literal or free a translation should be. The module will cover text types, readership, purpose and cultural issues in translation. It will draw on modern linguistic theory to examine concepts such as equivalence (both at and above word level), compensation, and problems relating to the translation of register, sociolect and dialect. Lectures and guided reading will introduce you to theoretical issues, whilst seminars will focus on the analysis and translation of texts both in English and the language(s) you are studying. This will allow you to develop the skills for identifying problems and evaluating solutions with reference to theory and encourage you to apply the skills you will develop. In addition to analysing texts and producing your own translations, you will also have the opportunity to undertake translation criticism and editing and to evaluate published translations of texts in different genres.

Special Features

The module may be particularly useful if you are considering sitting Paper 1 of the Chartered Institute of Linguists Diploma in Translation examination after completing your studies.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include • lectures and seminars. • whole class, small group and pair work activities • discussions arising from student-led activities • Blackboard as an interactive support • opportunity for one-to-one discussion with tutor(s) Learning activities include • directed and undirected reading • text analysis • regular completion of translations, translation criticisms, translation comparisons and translation editing • accessing dictionaries and other reference tools, including online resources • participation in group and class discussion • working on a translation commission to a prescribed deadline

Type	Hours
Seminar	24
Preparation for scheduled sessions	46
Completion of assessment task	20
Wider reading or practice	60
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Hervey, S. Loughridge, M and Higgins, I.. Thinking German Translation.

Baker, M and Saldana G. (eds). The Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies.

Newmark, P.. A Textbook of Translation.

Munday, J.. Introducing Translation Studies.

Hervey, S. and Higgins, I.. Thinking French Translation.

Baker, M.. In Other Words, A Coursebook on Translation.

Haywood, L., Thompson, M. and Hervey, S.. Thinking Spanish Translation.

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback  opportunities before each assessment for students to seek individual advice and guidance from the tutor(s)  in-class guidance and advice on preparation, completion and presentation of un-assessed and assessed coursework  in-class feedback on tasks prepared for class session

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Take-away paper	80%
Translation exercise (1000 words)	20%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External