module specification

This is a core module offered to FT and 2nd-year PT students. It offers and introduction to real-life translation situations in the settings of a translation service provider (TSP). Students may take their placement in the UK or abroad where the university has a wide range of contacts.
Teaching period: Autumn (FT students) and Spring (PT students).

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

Students will attend a number of professional talks and seminars to introduce the placement criteria and facilitate the placement process. These seminars range from CV writing, interview skills, project management, 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). It will also contain a learning journal evaluating the work placement in which 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 ( 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. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5

Students will critically observe the working environment, its structures, major activities and responsibilities and will participate in tasks allocated to them by the Placement Provider. Typically, they may be involved in proof-reading, researching, producing first drafts of translations, but they will also  participate in the clerical and administrative activities necessary in a translation environment which offers opportunities for reflective and PDP.

All the materials for preparation to the placement, administrative forms, Health and Safety Information and assessment will be available on WebLearn.

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.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Understand current working culture, principles of professional practice and be able to make an evaluative judgement on the TSP for which they have worked.
2. 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/project manager.
3. Be   able   to   identify   strategies   for   establishing   and   maintaining   effective   working relationships and work in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Translators.
4. Be able to reflect on knowledge and performance, seek and use feedback, and identify career development needs.
5. 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.
Formative feedback will be provided during the workshops based on the activities carried out during the lesson. In addition, students will receive formative feedback from their mentors throughout their placements.

Textbooks:

Core Text:

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

Other Texts:

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

• Collin, S. (2004) Internet guide for translators: hints, tips and a directory of over 1,000 essential sites. Peter Collin Publishing.

• Durban, C. (2010) The Prosperous translator. Fire Ant & Worker Bee.

• Evans, D. (1995) How to write a better thesis or report. Melbourne: Melbourne UP.

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

• Hackett, S. and Connell, T. (2006) Starting Up as a translator. London: Centre for Languages Studies. City University.

• Matis, N. (2014) How to manage your translation projects. Belgium: Nancy Matis SPRL.

• McMillan, K. and Weyers, J.  (2013) How to improve your critical thinking and reflective skills.  Harlow: Pearson Education. Available as E-book from University Library

• Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2006) Cite them right: the essential guide to referencing and plagiarism. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Pear Tree Books.

• Picken, C. (1989) The translator’s handbook. London: Aslib.

• Robinson, D. (2003) Becoming a translator: an introduction to the theory and practice of translation. London: Routledge. Available as E-book from University Library.

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

• Samuelsson-Brown, G. (2010) A practical guide for translators. Multilingual Matters: UK.

• Sofer, M. (2009) The translator’s handbook, 7th edition. 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.

• Winship, I. and McNab, A. (2000) The student’s guide to the internet 2000-2001. London: Library Association.

Journals:

Translator Journal: http://www.translationjournal.net

Websites:

Chartered Institute of Linguists: https://www.ciol.org.uk
Institute of Translation and Interpreting: https://www.iti.org.uk

Electronic Databases:

Translation.net: http://www.translation.net
Translatorsbase.com: http://www.translatorsbase.com
Proz.com: https://www.proz.com