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.

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 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 two others, namely ‘The Translator and the Translation Process ' and 'The Translator and Translation Tools and the Translator’ and is essential 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. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4,LO5

This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars as well as practical work in the specialised fields. Students will acquire further knowledge in each specialised topic by analysing and evaluating a variety of semi-specialists texts in the six fields covered.

Students are also expected to work individually on a chapter review as part of the formative assessment. In addition, students are expected to dedicate time to self-study by using textbooks and e-learning materials.

On successful completion of 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 Independent Study Activity (Review).

Textbooks

Core Texts:

• Desblache, L. (2001) Aspects of specialised translation, Paris : La Maison du Dictionnaire.

• Gotti, M., Sarcevic, S.  (2012) Insights into specialised translation, Berlin: Pete Lang.

• Nord, C. (2006) Text Analysis in translation: theory, methodology, and didactic application of a model for translation-oriented text analysis. Amsterdam: Rodopi.

Other Texts:

Baker, M. (ed.) (2011) The Routledge encyclopaedia of translation studies. London: Routledge.

Bowker, L., & Hawkins, S. (2006)’ Variation in the organization of medical terms: exploring some motivations for term choice’. Terminology, 12 (1), 79-110.

Corpas Pastor, G. (2001) ‘The Compilation of an ad hoc Corpus for Instruction in Specialized Translation into a Non-native Language’. TRANS. Revista de Traductologia, 5, 155-184.

Chesterman, A. (1997) Memes of translation. Amsterdam: Benjamins.

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

De Beaugrande, R. and Dressler W. (1988) Introduction to text linguistics. London: Longman.

Hatim, B. (1997. Communication across cultures: translation theory and contrastive text linguistics. Amsterdam: Benjamins.

Newmark, P. (1988) A textbook of translation. New York and London: Prentice Hal.

Nida, E. (2002) Contexts in translating, Amsterdam: Benjamins.
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Schäffner, C. (2002) The Role of discourse analysis for translation and in translator training. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.

Journals:

The Journal of Specialised Translation: http://www.jostrans.org

Babel, Benjamins, available electronically via the Electronic Journals: http://benjamins.com/#catalog/journals/babel

Terminology : http://benjamins.com/#catalog/journals/term

The Translator: https://www.stjerome.co.uk/tsa/journal/1/

TRANSST: http://www.tau.ac.il/~toury/transst/

Terminology International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Issues in Specialized Communication: http://benjamins.com/#catalog/journals/term

The Linguist: http://linguistlist.org/

Field specific publications are published on Weblearn and the module booklet.