TR7042 - Translation Tools and the Translator (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module explores various translation technologies and practices, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools, machine translation (MT), and post-editing, preparing you to confidently handle a range of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. It also equips you for terminology management within professional translation workflows. You will learn to evaluate and use online translation resources effectively while working with industry-standard software.
This module runs in the autumn for full-time and PG Cert/Dip students; and in the spring of year 1 for part-time students.
Prior learning requirements
N/A
Syllabus
This module offers an introduction to a diverse array of technologies essential for translators in real-world practice, with a strong emphasis on machine translation and AI-driven technologies. It assumes a foundation of computer literacy and intermediate word-processing skills, providing supporting materials to enhance your capabilities.
The module will cover the following aspects:
1. Key notions of translation technologies and AI for translators [LO1/LO3]
2. Terminology management and resources for translators [LO1/LO2]
3. Introduction to machine translation, with a focus on post-editing workflows [LO3/LO4]
4. Software troubleshooting skills for managing professional workflows [LO4]
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, after engaging with the relevant instructional material at home. 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.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Use a wide range of resources in your translation work, and critically evaluate their appropriateness and reliability.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of resources relevant to translators (e.g., terminology databases, glossaries, parallel texts, multilingual websites), and critically assess their suitability for specific translation needs.
3. Use industry-standard MT, AI-driven translation tools and CAT tools, while applying transferable skills relevant to a variety of translation systems.
4. Manage the practicalities of professional translation workflows, including meeting deadlines and troubleshooting software issues, in line with current industry standards.