- You will study four core modules:
Introduction to Translation
This module introduces the most significant theoretical and practical aspects of translation, focusing on translation as a profession and in relation to social and cultural contexts. It is designed to challenge your ideas of what a translation is or should be and to think creatively and responsibly about your professional practice as translators.
Practical Translation
This module aims to provide you with solid training in translating in your chosen language pair. You will learn how to undertake detailed, critical analysis of texts in the source language and to identify appropriate translation strategies and procedures. You will work on a range of general text-types (such as current affairs), practising techniques such as rephrasing, restructuring and post-editing. You will also learn how to use and integrate a range of software and translator resources into your assignments in a manner which reflects professional practice (e.g. text processing, spell and grammar check, mono- and bilingual dictionaries, internet resources such as terminology banks and parallel texts). You will have the opportunity to practise translation in both directions.
Specialised Translation
This module will focus on the translation of semi-specialised texts from areas such as technology, business, literature, science, social science, advertising, tourism and law. You will practise techniques such as glossary-building, drafting, summarising, revising, editing and proofreading. The module will also provide guidance on information sources and research relevant to semi-specialised translation in your chosen language pair. You will have the opportunity to practise translation in both directions.
Research Methods
This module trains you in the methods and approaches to research in Applied Linguistics in general, with sessions focusing specifically on Translation Research.
- You will also choose three optional modules from a range which includes:
Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced Language
Languages available include: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish and Spanish. Please note – if you are interested in this option, please contact the course convenors as early as possible as you will need to register for these modules before the start of the academic year.
Contemporary Translation Theory
This module considers the problems faced by translators from a theoretical point of view. You will examine current theoretical thinking in the field of Translation Studies, including cultural theories, sociological theories and political approaches, among others. The module emphasises the role and position of translation (and translators) in processes of identity construction, language/cultural planning, and in the spread of political and religious ideologies.
Corpus Linguistics for Translators
The module is designed to offer you a comprehensive conceptual understanding of corpus linguistics as a research methodology as well as practical understanding of the use of corpora and corpus-analysis tools both as research methods and as translation aids. You will acquire a sophisticated understanding of the key concepts in corpus linguistics so as to be able to critically evaluate the impact of this methodology on the study of language and discourse.
Describing Language
This module includes the study of lexis and of Systemic-Functional grammar. This gives you the tools to describe and analyse language in a range of settings.
Discourse, Culture and Communication
This module covers aspects of how spoken and written discourse is organised, how it varies, and how it may be described and analysed. There is a strong focus on issues of culture and communication and on the critical interpretation of texts.
Intercultural Communication
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the major issues in the area of Intercultural Communication, with particular reference to developments in the last 20 years. In today's global world, it is necessary to communicate successfully across cultural boundaries of languages, styles and values. This module will address these questions, using participants' cultural background as the basis for contrastive analysis in terms of language difference, pragmatics, social semiotics and visual communication.
Practical Translation
This must be taken in an additional language to that chosen for your core module; module description as above.
Specialised Translation
This must be taken in an additional language to that chosen for your core module; module description as above.
Translation and Literary Markets
This module will encourage you to investigate and reflect upon the function of the translated text as a cultural product in modern and contemporary book markets. It will encompass theoretical approaches such as systems theory, sociology of translation and reception studies, and will trace the development of modern notions of ‘world literature’ from the eighteenth century onwards. You will apply this framework to a range of topics such as: the presence of translated literature in global translation markets and in the British and European publishing sectors; the history and current functioning of international world literature series’ such as Penguin Classics and Oxford World’s Classics; and practices of reviewing translations in the mainstream cultural press.
Translation in a Professional Context
This module will simulate a realistic professional environment for you to engage in an actual translation project by setting up your own translation company. You will attend seminars about different aspects of the translation profession – such as working as a freelance or in-house translator, negotiating with clients and professional ethics – in addition to practical workshops where you will get hands-on experience.
Translation Technology
The module will provide you with hands-on experience of a range of technologies applied to the practice and study of translation. Topics covered include: Using the Internet to search for terminology, comparable and parallel texts; using translation forums and other specialised translation resources websites; translation memories; localisation; and machine translation.
Please note that availability of optional modules may vary from year to year.