module specification

This is a core module offered to FT students and 2nd-year PT students.

This module offers and introduction to real-life translation situations in the settings of a translation service provider. Students may take their placement in the UK or abroad where the university has a wide range of contacts.

TR7042 or equivalent

The aims of the module are:

• To provide students with work experience with a Translation Service Provider (TSP) for them to acquire first-hand experience of business operations and practice;
• To equip students with the skills, techniques, attitudes etc., necessary for an eventual professional position as a (junior) translator, terminologist, or a related position, and thus be prepared for a successful fulfilment of such a position;
• To enable students to apply knowledge and skills obtained during the MA to work environments in the translation industry; and further develop and evaluate such knowledge and skills;
• To enable students to work effectively as a member of a team in a range of professional situations and develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, organisation, multitasking, prioritising, self-management, IT, etc.;
• To keep a record of tasks and progress so as to develop career awareness and identify development’s needs. To appreciate the processes involved in providing both quality assurance and project management as part of a localisation project.

This module offers an introduction to real-life translation situations in the setting of a TSP
(Translation Service Providers). The student will have to do all the types of (simulated) translation, terminology and project management jobs professional translators usually do, under the supervision of a professional mentor who will assign the tasks to be done. The student has to compile a portfolio.

Perquisite: to have completed the module TR7087 (The Translator and The Specialised Text)

Students will attend a number of workshops to introduce the placement criteria and facilitate the placement process. Those workshops range from CV writing, interview skills, project managements, communication and business skills.

The portfolio will contain a description of the TSP (500 to 700 words giving an account of the organisation of the TSP, the work carried out, the equipment available to do the work and other issues relating to the Code of Practice for Translators and TSP management); a learning journal evaluating the work placement where students need to reflect on the experience by recording daily routines and analysing various placement scenarios by providing evidence and specific examples (2500 to 3000 words presenting the experience gained, an analysis of the skills developed, an evaluation of the impact of the theory learnt on actual practice, and a statement of priorities for Continuing Professional Development); and evidence of work carried out (weekly logs and sample of documents reflecting the type of work done).. This portfolio is formally marked and constitutes a necessary requirement for completing the module. All students should produce it, including those students who already have professional experience and are exempted from a placement. In addition, the mentor will submit a short report with an overall assessment / evaluation of the student's performance.

Students who choose to study by distance-learning mode can easily do their placement in such a
mode and communicate with the placement co-ordinator and the placement officer by e-mail.

Students will be encouraged throughout the module to actively engage with the module by attending the placement workshops and talks given by professionals in the industry.

By the end of this module, students are expected to have developed:

• understand current working culture, principles of professional practice and be able to make an evaluative judgement on the TSP for which they have worked;
• have performed a range of tasks such as translating, proof reading, collecting data, post-editing, or revising in the context of the translation market and be able to operate effectively as a (junior) translator / terminologist;
• be able to identify strategies for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and work in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Translators;
• be able to reflect on knowledge and performance, seek and use feedback, and identify career development needs;
• be able compile a portfolio in an appropriate form and within the limits imposed.

The assessment will have a component – the placement portfolio. It will contain a description of the TSP, a learning journal and evidence of work carried out.

• Samuelsson-Brown, G. (2010) A Practical Guide for Translators, 5th edn., Bristol, Buffalo: Multilingual Matters. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Byrne, J. (2006) Technical Translation: Usability strategies for translating technical documentation. Dordrecht : Springer. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Gouadec, D. (2007) Translation as a Profession. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Samuelsson-Brown, G. (2006) Managing Translation Services. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Pears, Richard and Shields, Graham, Cite Them Right: The Essential Guide to Referencing and Plagiarism, Newcastle Upon Tyne: Pear Tree Books, 2005

• Robinson, D. (2012) Becoming a Translator: An introduction to the theory and practice of translation. London: Routledge. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Sofer, M. (2009) The Translator’s Handbook, 7th edn., Rockville Md.: Schreiber Publishing Inc.

• Somers. H. (ed.) (2003) Computers and Translation; A translator’s guide. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Available as E-book from University Library.

• Sprung, C. R. (2000) Translating into Success. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.