TR7087 - The Translator and the Specialised Text (2017/18)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | |||||||||||||||
| Module title | The Translator and the Specialised Text | |||||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | |||||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | |||||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | |||||||||||||||
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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 provides students with an opportunity to translate specialised texts in different domains of low level of specialisation.
Module aims
1.To provide students with an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of translation, culture and texts of low specialism from various fields in the chosen language pair;
2.To develop the necessary skills and the tools to choose an appropriate translation strategy and acquire a good command of a number of techniques for effective translation;
3.To develop awareness and analytical ability to assess and reflect on translations, identify problems arising out of them and use suitable solutions to solve them;
4. To produce effective translations in line with professional requirements.
Syllabus
This module relates to 'Theoretical Issues in Translation', 'Characteristics of Specialised Texts and 'Translation Tools and The Translator’ in that students should apply the acquired knowledge of strategies, techniques and analytical tools to their translations and the commentary. It also lays the basis for the longer, more demanding independent translation projects that follow it.
This module consists of a series of language specific seminars; which give the students an opportunity to translate and receive feedback on a variety of texts of low-level specialism and acquire the knowledge and skills required to produce a professional translation. It offers students the opportunity to practice translation in the various fields of specialisation and requires the implementation of and translation skills and tools and appropriate research/searching and documentation strategies.
The material to be translated consists of authentic texts of the type of text that translation agencies normally translate.
Learning and teaching
This module is delivered through a combination of generic seminars and language specific workshops. In addition, other methods will include practical work in language specific seminars as well as the use of textbooks, dictionaries, parallel texts, electronic databases and other self-study and e-learning materials. Students will compile a portfolio of translations done during the language specific seminars and from individual work.
Learning outcomes
On completing this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the necessary skills to translate LSP (language for special purposes) texts into a target language and according to professional standards; and differentiate general language for language for special purposes;
2. Use appropriate techniques for analysing and translating texts of low specialism from the fields covered in the module and identify relevant issues of translation theory, terminology and research in these fields;
3. Apply effective techniques for solving these issues; and acquire an awareness of the impact of these translation techniques and decisions on the translated text as a whole;
4. Critically reflect on the translation process and produce translations according to the specified guidelines.
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed through two pieces of coursework: translation exam and a portfolio of improved translations submitted towards the end of the module.
Both pieces provide students with opportunities for summative feedback and aim at providing further translation practice and enhancing learning.
Bibliography
Baker, M. (2011), In Other Words, a Coursebook on Translation, (Second Edition), London& New York: Routledge.
Baker, M. (ed.) (1998), The Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. London: Routledge.
Chesterman, A. (1997), Memes of Translation, Amsterdam/Philadelphiea: JohnBenjamins Publishing company.
Hatim, B. & Ian M. (1990), Discourse and the Translator, London: Longman.
Munday, J. (2012), Introducing to 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.
See module booklet for language specific publications.