module specification

This practical module explores the relationship of the translator to language. In this module, students are introduced to language as grammar and, specifically, to various grammar concepts such as gender and number, pronouns and others as well as their grammatical equivalence in the target language system.  In their specific language pair sessions, students are introduced to aspects of practical translation by concentrating on those areas which are characterised by non-equivalence. The module familiarises students with grammatical ‘translation problems’, and introduces them to the most appropriate ways of transfer.

N/A

This module starts with an introduction to translation, translation methods and some translation procedures. It then familiarises students with English grammar and the concept of non equivalence across languages. Practical translation sessions which are language specific will be part of the teaching and learning strategy. Basic research / searching strategies for documentation will also be elaborated upon.

This module is classroom based and it involves the translation and a commentary of sentences and paragraphs provided by the tutor.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO3

Teaching and learning methods include a two hour long interactive lecture + one hour long seminar (3 contact hours) each week. The interactive lecture is both tutor-led and student-centred, with pair and group activities, with very strong encouragement for participation.
There will also be language specific translation seminars, which will be practice-based.
For practical translation tasks and assessments, students will be introduced to a variety of research tools, using textbooks, electronic databases and e-learning materials (WebLearn) as well as internet material. In addition to classroom based teaching, students are expected to undertake a significant amount of self directed study for the module. A strong emphasis will be on researching appropriate solutions to translation problems, using students’ own electronic devices (tablets, smartphones and laptops) during class time.

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

1. Identify grammatical translation problems in their language pair and solve these problems competently by applying appropriate translation procedures for their solution.
2. Use the relevant terminology related to grammar concepts and translation procedures.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of the written skills required by the professional translation industry.

Formative assessment will be throughout the semester in the form of  translations (students will receive lecturer’s feedback and also peer feedback)

There will be a total of two summative assessments in the form of a timed translation (2 hours) of a text selected by the lecturer and a 1000 word commentary.
The text will incorporate some aspects of grammatical equivalence.
The commentary will focus on the process of the students’ translation (short Source Text analysis, identification and description of translation problems including problems of grammatical equivalence, and a discussion of procedures used to solve these problems).

Essential

Baker, M. (2011) In other words, a coursebook on translation. London: Routledge.

Newmark, P. (2003) A textbook of translation. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.

General

Crystal, D. (2004) Rediscover grammar. London: Longman.

Duff, A. (1981)The third language: recurrent problems of translation into English. Oxford: Pergamon.

Fawcett, P. (1997)Translation and language. Manchester: St Jerome.

Greenbaum, S. and Nelson, G. (2002) An introduction to English grammar . London: Longman.

Hatim, B, and Mason, I. (1997) The translator as communicator . London: Routledge.

Arabic

Dickins, J, Hervey, S. & Higgins. I. (2002) Thinking Aabic translation: course in translation method, Arabic to English. London: Routledge.

Hatim, B. (1997), English-Arabic/Arabic-English translation a practical guide. London: Saqi.

French
Astington, E. (1990) Equivalences: translation difficulties and devices: French-English, English –French. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Chuquet, H. (1987) Approche: linguistique des problèmes de traduction Anglais-Français / Français-Anglais. Paris: Ophrys.

Guillemin-Flescher, J. (1993) Syntaxe comparée du Français et de l’Anglais: problèmes de traduction. Paris: Ophrys.

Hervey, S. & Higgins, I (2002) Thinking translation, a course in translation method: French to English. London: Routledge.

Morton, J. (1993) English grammar for students of French. Michigan: The Olivia and Hill Press.

Vinay, J. P., Darbelnet, J. (1995)Stylistique comparée du Français et de l’Anglais: méthode de traduction. Paris: Didier.

German

Wolf, F. (2003) Technik des Übersetzens. Englisch und Deutsch. Munchen: Hueber.

Hervey, S., Loughridge, M. and Higgins, I (2006 Thinking German translation. A course in translation method: German to English. London: Routledge.

Humphrey, R. (2007) Grundkurs Übersetzen Deutsch-Englisch. Stuttgart: Klett.

Kars, J. und Häussermann, U. (1993) Grundgrammatik Deutsch. Frankfurt am Main: Diesterweg.

Italian

Adorni, S., Primorac, K. (1995) English grammar for students of Italian. Michigan: The Olivia and Hill Press.

Hervey, S. (2000) Thinking Italian translation: a course in translation method: Italian to English. London: Routledge.

Polish
Korzeniowska, A., and Kuhiwczak, P. (2006) Successful Polish-English translation: tricks of the trade. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.

Piotrowska M. (1997) Learning translation - Learning the impossible? A course of translation from English into Polish. Kraków :Universitas.

Portuguese

Coulthard, M. and P. A. Odber de Baubeta (eds) (1996). Theoretical issues and practical cases in Portuguese-English translations. Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press.

Spanish
Hervey, S. (1995) Thinking Spanish translation: a course in translation method, Spanish to English. London: Routledge.

Laviosa, S. (2006) Linking wor(l)ds. Lexis and grammar for translation. Naples: Liguori.

Spinelli, E. (1994) English grammar for students of Spanish. Michigan: The Olivia and Hill Press.

Russian
Andrews, E. and Maksimova, E. (2010) Russian translation: theory and practice. London: Routledge. 

Pym, A. (2016) Translation solutions for many languages: histories of a flawed dream.