Translation: Theory and Practice

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• operate as a reliable translator in a semi-professional context
• provide competent translations of general texts
• 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:

• 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
• recognise translation difficulties and evaluate alternatives for dealing with them

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

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.

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) relating to an individual translation project

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
• researching and managing an individual translation project

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Baker, M and Saldana G. (eds) (2009). The Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London: Routledge.

Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. London: Prentice Hall.

Munday, J. (2016). Introducing Translation Studies, Theories and Applications. London: Routledge.

Baker, M. (2011). In Other Words, A Coursebook on Translation. London: Routledge.

Hervey, S. Loughridge, M and Higgins, I. (2006). Thinking German Translation. London: Routledge.

Haywood, L., Thompson, M. and Hervey, S. (2009). Thinking Spanish Translation. London: Routledge.

Hervey, S. and Higgins, I. (2002). Thinking French Translation. London: Routledge.

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

Note that this module is available at both HE6 and HE7. To differentiate between the levels, there are different assessment patterns. The HE7 students are required to research and identify an appropriate text for the Text translation/analysis exercise, which is a more demanding task than working on a text provided by a tutor. HE7 students also undertake an Individual Translation Project which will require more research and in-depth reference to critical materials and a greater level of sophistication in the analysis.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External