module specification

This is an elective module, which focuses on translating texts induced in institutional contexts. Based on two main international institutions, UN and EU, the module consists of both theoretical part, delivered in a classroom-based mode and practical part, which consists of students working and liaising with their language-specific tutors remotely. The module looks at specificity of texts authored by the institutions in question and provides students with an opportunity to utilise institutional resources (available online) to create target texts complying with institutional standards.

Week 1 – Introduction to the UN as an international organisation (classroom) LO1
Week 2 – Analysis of UN-induced texts (classroom) LO2,LO3
Week 3 – Relevance of theory in UN translation (classroom) LO4
Week 4 – Practical translation 1 (online) LO4
Week 5 – Practical translation 2 (online) LO4
Week 6 – Practical translation 3 (online) LO1

Week 7 – Introduction to the EU as an international organisation (classroom) LO2,LO3
Week 8 – Analysis of EU-induced texts (classroom) LO4
Week 9 – Relevance of theory in UN translation (classroom) LO4
Week 10 – Practical translation 1 (online) LO4
Week 11 – Practical translation 2 (online) LO4
Week 12 – Practical translation 3 (online) LO4

Teaching and learning methods include classroom-based language-generic sessions and language-specific sessions delivered in a distance-learning mode.

Research by using textbooks, electronic databases and e-learning materials (Weblearn). In addition to the contact time students are expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study for the module and for the language-specific sessions.

There are no PDP requirements for this module.

On completing this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the skills necessary to translate institution-specific LSP (language for special purposes) texts into their target language and according to professional standards;

2. Identify and critically analyse relevant issues of translation theory, terminology and research in a specialised field;

3. Assess and apply strategies for solving more complex translation difficulties in and emerging from LSP and institution-specific texts and acquire an awareness of the impact of these translation strategies and decisions on the translated text as whole;

4. Critically reflect on the translation process and produce translations of a high standard in a professional manner.

The module is assessed 100% by summative coursework

coursework 1 (50%) (translation of a 1500-word UN text)
coursework 2 (50%) (translation of a 1500-word EU text)

Opportunities for formative and/or diagnostic assessment and feedback: Students receive annotated translation (tutor feedback) and they also have an opportunity to discuss other aspects of institutional translation via Weblearn-based discussion board (peer feedback). Finally, students include a 500-word report in each coursework; the report reflects on a translation process focusing on challenges linked to the institutional nature of the text translated within the coursework.

Baker, M. (2011) In Other words, a coursebook on translation, (Second Edition). London and  New York: Routledge.

Baker, M. (ed.) (1998) The Routledge encyclopaedia of translation studies. London: Routledge.

Chesterman, A. (1997) Memes of translation. Amsterdam/ Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing company.

Hatim, B. & Ian M. (1990) Discourse and the Translator, London: Longman.

Munday, J. (2016) Introducing translation studies; theories and applications. London: Routledge.

Munday, J. (2009) The Routledge companion to translation studies.  London: New York: Routledge.

Newmark, P. (1982) Approaches to translation. Oxford: Pergamon Press.

Newmark, P. (1991) About translation. Clevedon/Philadelphia: Multilingual Matters.

Trosberg, A. (1997) Text typology and translation. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing company.

Venuti, L. (ed.) (2004) The translation studies reader. London: Routledge.