module specification

TR7042 - Translation Tools and the Translator (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Translation Tools and the Translator
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Total study hours 200
 
176 hours Guided independent study
24 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Practical Assessment 100%   Practical exercise in the use of Translation Environment Tools & troubleshooting report
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Wednesday Afternoon
Autumn semester North Monday Afternoon
Autumn semester LMET Distance Learning Monday Afternoon
Spring semester LMET Distance Learning Wednesday Afternoon

Module summary

This module focuses on both translation environment tools (TEnTs) that translators are likely to use in a professional environment and terminology mining which translators are likely to perform as part of their work. You will learn how to use Internet resources effectively, including their evaluation, and will employ proprietary software for professional translation and terminology management, both as standalone tools and as integrated in TEnTs. You will also be equipped with the necessary transferability skills to confidently adapt to a variety of translation tools, both desktop-based and in the cloud, the choice of which will be entirely your own based on resource availability and IT-literacy.
Semester: Autumn for full-time cohort and PG Cert students; Spring year 1 for Part-time cohort.

If there are no sufficient student numbers o makea module viable , the school reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the School cancels a module it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative.

Prior learning requirements

N/A

Syllabus

This module involves an introduction to a wide range of electronic tools the translator is likely to make use of in actual practice. The module presupposes computer literacy and the ability to work with word processing at an intermediate level. You will be provided with supporting materials to this end. LO1


The module builds on this knowledge and elaborates on the use and evaluation of Internet resources, the interface between translator and terminology, and general/proprietary tools such as terminology databases, glossaries, parallel texts and multilingual web sites published by reputable multinational organisations and companies. LO2


It introduces a critical appraisal of Automatic/Computer-Assisted Translation systems, such as Translation Environment Tools, including machine translation, and stresses the rapid development of technology in the language services industry, which requires amongst other things software troubleshooting abilities to cope with professional workflows. You will be provided with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt your workflow to industry practices and standards. LO3-04

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

This module is structured as a flipped classroom: you will perform all or most practical activities in class, under the supervision of the tutor, or in remote mode (blended learning) after engaging with the relevant instructional material at home. In-class activities and remote activities range from collaborative work to individual work; they will provide you with a variety of materials sourced from accessible channels online which will allow you to advance your knowledge, reflect on your progress and improve your performance as you go along. These activities also attract regular formative feedback. When working in blended mode, you will also receive dedicated peer support via the Discussion Board on the teaching platform.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Use a wide range of resources in your work as translator, and cogently evaluate and judge their appropriateness and reliability.
2. Develop an awareness of the typology and classification of resources and documentation relevant to translators (e.g. terminology databases, glossaries, parallel texts and multilingual web sites), and to critically examine their appropriateness according to specific needs.
3. Employ widely available Automatic and/or Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools such as terminology management and translation environment tools, with awareness of transferable skills applicable to all such systems.
4. Deal with the practicalities of the daily work of translators in the context of meeting deadlines and software troubleshooting.

Bibliography