This module will approach translation and language as social practices and will explore the role they play in constructing and negotiating identities within and across national boundaries. We will be examining how social, national, ethnic, gender identities are constructed, mediated and performed through language and translation. We will be looking at case studies from a range of languages and cultural contexts that foreground the political dimension of translation (minority languages, post-colonial contexts, gender identities, situations of conflict) and how translation relates to the different language policies of different political entities (nation states but also EU, UN). 

• Display a comprehensive understanding of translation as a social practice
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the pervasiveness of translation in contemporary society
• Select and analyse critically instances of translation in relation to both global and national contexts
• Critically discuss analytic frameworks that are important for analysing the politics of translation 

-       You will be taught by a team of 2-3 staff. We will provide lectures and seminars totalling 26 hours of classroom instruction. This will be supplemented by your homework tasks and reading.

-       There will be no set format as to the division between lectures, seminars, classes and workshop-type activities; each member of staff shall decide on the most appropriate methods for teaching the text concerned.

-       There will be introductory sessions on critical methods, study skills and how to evaluate sources provided by teaching team members. There will be a coursework practice session to prepare you for assessed coursework and a revision/exam strategy session to prepare you for the examination. There will be revision consultation sessions at the end of the module in which all members of the teaching team will be available in their offices.

-       You will be expected to study outside the lectures and seminars, focusing especially on the texts and basic bibliography.

-       Lectures and other teaching events are designed to cover fundamental issues and to stimulate debate. You must supplement them with your own reading on the subject in general.

-       Reading other books by set authors can sometimes be helpful, and you may use such supplementary material as secondary material in the examination.

-       Academic and key skills developed include learning, research and organisational skills; communication and IT skills; intercultural awareness; and interpersonal skills. The course co-ordinator will provide guidance as appropriate.

-       Communicate clearly and contribute effectively in discussions;

-       Read academic papers and other sources of information competently and critically;

-       Communicate ideas effectively in writing, using appropriate wording and structure;

-       Work independently and in groups.

-       Language and translation as social practices

-       Language and identity

-       Translation and minority languages

-       Translation and the politics of gender

-       Translation, hybridity and post-colonialism

-       Translation and conflict

-       Translation and language policies (e.g. multiculturalism, integration)

-       What can we do? Translation, practice and activism

Baker, M. (2006) Translation and Conflict. London: Routledge.

Baker, M. (2010) Critical Readings in Translation Studies. London: Routledge.

Cronin, M. (2006) Translation and Identity. London: Routledge.

Cronin, M. (2003) Translation and Globalization. London: Routledge.

Joseph, J. (2004) Language and Identity: National, Ethnic, Religious. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Simon, S. (1996) Translation and Gender. London: Routledge

Venuti, L (2013) Translation Changes Everything. London: Routledge.