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 types of difficulties encountered when translating texts aimed at the general public
• aspects of translation theory and terminology relevant to practical translation
• 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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• communicate ideas and arguments in writing
• demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness in independent study
• present written work to a professional standard of presentation
• work effectively to deadlines

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• refer to aspects of translation theory in evaluating strategies for dealing with certain types of text
• describe, analyse and explain the nature of translation difficulties in writing
• 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

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 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

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

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.