ML8010: Introduction to Translation Methods
| School | Translation |
| Department Code | MLANG |
| Module Code | ML8010 |
| External Subject Code | 101130 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Joseph Lambert |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2022/3 |
Outline Description of Module
Translation functions as a means of facilitating communication, learning languages and opening up dialogues between and across cultures. This first year module on translation methods introduces students to the principles that guide approaches to translations, from word-level to textual approaches to notions of the ethics governing translation practice. Students will be introduced to concepts in lectures and then apply them to practical exercises in both lectures and seminars. In seminars students will be translating from their source languages – Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish – into English.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of the basic methods and tools of general translation
- show a capacity to evaluate critically translation methods
- apply the methods and tools studied to practical exercises in translation
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.
There will be weekly lectures and four seminars. Lectures will address the key approaches and methods, and during seminars students will apply these to translation from their source language into English. Attendance is compulsory in all sessions.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Lectures will develop the student’s capacity to absorb information, including through note-taking.
- Seminars will develop the capacity to deploy this information and to improve translation work, supporting general language acquisition.
- Through independent learning and coursework preparation students will practise and develop research skills and the capacity to deploy information in well-constructed arguments.
- Assessed translations will enable students to practise and develop written presentation and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) skills.
How the module will be assessed
The methods of assessment and their weightings are set out in the table.
Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes:
Coursework assignment assesses ILOs 1-3:
The commentaries assess ILO 1, 2
The translations assess ILO 1, 3
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:
Translation coursework (100%) for a maximum of 40%.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Translation With Commentary | N/A |
Syllabus content
Lectures
Translating texts 2 (text types)
Translating context 1 (aim and audience)
Translating context 2 (culture)
Translating voice 1 (attitude & ideology)
Translating voice 2 (ethics)
Translating voice 3 (Style and TQA)
Translating voice 4 (humour)
Becoming a translator 1 (technology)
Becoming a translator 2 (AVT and VGL)
Becoming a translator 3 (Skills and freelancing)
Seminar
Language-specific seminar (Translating texts)
Language-specific seminar (Assessment feedback)
Language-specific seminar (Cultural context)
Language-specific seminar (Style)
Language-specific seminar (Humour in AVT)