module specification

This module focuses on the characteristics of specialised language and translation in general and as applied to the six specialist fields. It aims to develop further students' knowledge of the specialised fields as well as develop their textual analysis and field specific research.

1. To introduce students to the principles of specialised language and characteristics of specialised translation;
2. To familiarise students with six specialist subject fields, their main concepts and terminology;
3. To develop knowledge of the various language characteristics of six subject-specialised fields and their implications for translation (in terms of cultural differences, content, word choice, text function, syntactic pattern, register, style, readership, text type and terminology);
4. To develop student’s skills of text analysis in relation to the six specialist subject fields and in terms of the aspects mentioned above;
5. To introduce students to research skills specific to fields of specialisation and provide them with opportunities for reflection and application;

This module starts with an introduction to the characteristics of specialised language then moves to the study of what makes a text specialised. It also looks at the features of specialised translation in general then and in particular, as applied to specialist fields such as Politics, Law, IT (Information and Technology), Advertising, Business and Medicine.

In this latter part, the module involves theoretical instruction in basic principles of the LSP language/ terminology of the subject fields.    Basic research / searching strategies for documentation and terminology will also be elaborated upon. This module relates to the two others,  ' Theoretical Issues in Translation' and 'The Translator and Translation Tools' and is an essential requirement for the completion of the subsequent translation projects.

This is a non-language specific module. Its goal is to achieve the above-mentioned aims irrespective of language pairs.

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars as well as practical work in the specialised fields. The seminars will consist of practice sessions through the practical translation of semi specialised texts in the six fields covered.

Students are also expected to work individually and with peers on a portfolio of translations. In addition students are expected to dedicate time to self-study by using textbooks and e-learning materials.

There are no pdp requirements for this module.

On completing this module students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a good knowledge of the nature of specialised language in general and its role in specialised translation;
2. Develop knowledge, skills and tools to identify the specialised domain of texts and their level of specialisation;
3. Acquire knowledge of the issues of translation theory and terminology and research in these fields;
4. Develop techniques to analysing specialised texts;
5. Develop field specific research skills with the view of applying it to future translation practice;

Assessment methods: This module is assessed 100% by coursework.

In addition, students have opportunities for formative feedback in each of the 6 subject fields considered. They receive formative feedback during the lectures/seminars from each lecturer. Furthermore, they will share knowledge and resources in the online forum (Weblearn) related to the Review based on the fields covered till week 8.

Baker, M. (ed.) (2011) The Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London: Routledge.

Chowdhury, N. (2002) Contexts in Translating, Amsterdam: Benjamins.

Schäffner, C. (2002) The role of discourse analysis for translation and in translator training, Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.

de Beaugrande, R. and Dressler W.  (1988)  Introduction to Text Linguistics. London: Longman.

Desblache, L. (2001) Aspects of Specialised Translation, France : La Maison du Dictionnaire

Eugene, N. (2002) Contexts in Traslating, Amsterdam: Benjamins.

Hatim, B. (1997) Communication across Cultures: Translation Theory and Contrastive Text Linguistics, Amsterdam: Benjamins.