TR5051 - Electronic Tools for Translation (2017/18)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||
Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||
Module title | Electronic Tools for Translation | ||||||||||||
Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module develops students’ knowledge of the range of electronic tools available for translation. It familiarises them with the principles and methods of Automatic / Computer / Human-assisted translation systems and compares and evaluates these in terms of their relevance for the practice of translating. The focus is on machine translation (MT), post-editing and translation environment tools (TEnTs); students will work closely with a variety of packages, both theoretically and practically, and will compare their features. As well as receiving theoretical instruction, students will develop their skills through "hands-on" sessions that emphasise the "real world" translation environment.
Prior learning requirements
TR4003 Practical Resources for Translators
Module aims
1. To give students the opportunity to develop more confidence in their IT skills in translation and to explore new areas and extend the knowledge of IT that they already have.
2. To equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge of electronic tools used in translation.
3. To improve students’ efficiency in the translation process and their marketability by being able to use translation tools professionally.
4. To provide students with theoretical instruction as well as hands-on practice of relevant translation tools.
5. To prepare students for the fast-changing world of translation technology by encouraging them to evaluate relevant first-hand sources for further self-development.
Syllabus
This module will cover the following aspects:
- Introduction to CAT tools
- Introduction to Machine Translation and post-editing
- Introduction to Translation Environment Tools
- Comparing Translation Environment Tools interfaces
Learning and teaching
The sessions for each individual topic or area are broken down into 3 parts:
- Introduction and demonstration of new material by the lecturer
- Hands-on practice by students
- Evaluative discussion of relevant issues
As this is a course on electronic tools, course materials will be delivered electronically and posted on WebLearn. Students are also encouraged to make use of the online instruction manuals and tutorials provided by manufacturers for their software. For example, SDL provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand manual on using SDL Trados that can be downloaded from its website and which is also made available on Weblearn. A willingness to explore such resources is an integral part of learning how to use software.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Use a wide range of electronic tools available for translation.
2. Compare and evaluate principles and methods of Automatic / Computer / Human-assisted translation systems in terms of their relevance for the practice of translation.
3. Use for professional purposes one package of translation memory software and recognise other translation memory system interfaces, thus enabling them to evaluate the relevant pros and cons and incorporate the tools in their professional life.
4. Utilise post-editing skills which are an integral part of Automatic Translation training.
Assessment strategy
100% Practical Exams organised as follows:
Exam 1: Translation Environment Tools
This will be a timed translation to be performed using TEnTs and following the relevant workflow to produce a timely translated product and deal with any ensuing troubleshooting. The students will also discuss any troubleshooting solutions in a report.
Exam 2: Machine Translation Post-Editing
Students run a text through two different machine translation systems, then post-edit both texts and produce a report evaluating the outputs.
Bibliography
- Austermühl, F. (2001) Electronic Tools for Translators (Chapters 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 in particular), Manchester: St. Jerome.
- Chan, Sin-Wai (2004) A dictionary of translation technology, Hong Kong: Chinese University Press.
- Directorate General for Translation of the European Commission (2012) Translation and multilingualism [online]. Available at: http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/translation-and-multilingualism-pbHC3210532/.
- Quah, C.K. (2006) Translation and Technology, Palgrave: Macmillan.
- Somers, H. (2003) Computers and translation: a translators guide, Amsterdam and Philadelphia: John Benjamins. [e-book available via Library Services]
- Zetzsche, J. (2003) A Translators Tool Box for the 21st Century. A Computer Primer for Translators, International Writers Group [online]. Available from http://www.internationalwriters.com/toolbox
Journals:
- eMpTy Pages: http://kv-emptypages.blogspot.co.uk/ (on translation technology, localization and collaboration)
- Multilingual Computing [online]. Available at http://www.multilingual.com/ (as e-resource via Library Services).
- TC World [online]. Available at: http://www.tcworld.info/.
- Translation Journal [online]. Available at: http://translationjournal.net/journal/