An Introduction to Translation

Description

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of translation. It covers essential concepts, techniques, and challenges involved in translating texts from one language to another. Students will explore the relationship between language, culture, and translation, and engage in practical translation exercises across different genres and text types. The course aims to build foundational skills in translation, emphasizing both linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the fundamental theories and principles of translation.
• Develop practical skills in translating a variety of text types.
• Analyze the cultural and contextual factors that influence translation.
• Learn to identify and solve common translation challenges.
• Reflect on the ethical and professional aspects of translation work.

Weekly Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Translation Studies

• Overview of the course and its objectives.
• Definition and scope of translation.
• History and development of translation studies.
• Introduction to key concepts: source text, target text, equivalence, fidelity.
• Reading: Introduction to basic texts on translation theory.

Week 2: Theories of Translation – Equivalence and Fidelity

• Detailed exploration of equivalence and fidelity in translation.
• Key theorists: Eugene Nida, Roman Jakobson, and Peter Newmark.
• Discussion on the limits of equivalence in translation.
• Practice: Translating short texts with a focus on maintaining equivalence.

Week 3: The Translator’s Role and Ethics

• The role of the translator as a mediator between cultures.
• Ethical considerations in translation: bias, transparency, and loyalty to the source text.
• Discussion on the “invisibility” of the translator (Lawrence Venuti).
• Case studies on ethical dilemmas in translation.
• Practice: Translating texts with ethical considerations in mind.

Week 4: Translation Techniques and Strategies

• Overview of translation techniques: borrowing, calque, literal translation, transposition, modulation, etc.
• Discussion on translation strategies: domestication vs. foreignization.
• Practice: Applying various techniques to translate short passages.

Week 5: Cultural Aspects of Translation

• The importance of culture in translation.
• Cultural concepts and terms that are difficult to translate (untranslatability).
• Strategies for dealing with cultural references, idioms, and metaphors.
• Practice: Translating culturally rich texts with attention to cultural nuances.

Week 6: Text Types and Genres in Translation

• Overview of different text types: literary, technical, legal, and audiovisual translation.
• Differences in approach depending on the genre and purpose of the text.
• Practice: Translating excerpts from different genres (e.g., literary vs. technical).

Week 7: Literary Translation

• Specific challenges of translating literary texts: style, tone, voice, and poetic devices.
• Case studies of famous literary translations and their critiques.
• Practice: Translating a poem or a passage from a novel, focusing on stylistic fidelity.

Week 8: Translation of Non-Literary Texts

• Focus on translating non-literary texts: technical, scientific, legal, and business translation.
• The importance of precision, clarity, and terminology management.
• Practice: Translating a technical or legal document, focusing on accuracy and terminology.

Week 9: Audiovisual Translation – Subtitling and Dubbing

• Introduction to audiovisual translation: subtitling, dubbing, and voice-over.
• Challenges unique to audiovisual translation: synchronization, readability, and cultural adaptation.
• Practice: Subtitling a short video clip, paying attention to timing and language constraints.

Week 10: Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) Tools

• Overview of machine translation (MT) and CAT tools.
• Advantages and limitations of using technology in translation.
• Discussion on the future of translation in the age of AI and machine learning.
• Practice: Using a CAT tool to assist in the translation of a document.

Week 11: Translation Criticism and Quality Assessment

• Introduction to translation criticism: evaluating the quality of translations.
• Criteria for good translation: accuracy, fluency, and readability.
• Practice: Analyzing and critiquing published translations; peer review of translation assignments.

Week 12: Final Project Presentations and Course Review

• Review of key concepts and strategies covered in the course.
• Presentation of final translation projects: Students present their translation of a chosen text, discussing challenges and strategies used.
• Group discussion and feedback on projects.
• Course wrap-up: Reflections on what has been learned and discussion of further study and career paths in translation.

Assessment Methods:

• Weekly translation assignments and exercises.
• Participation in class discussions and peer reviews.
• Midterm project: Translation of a short text with a reflective commentary.
• Final project: Translation of a longer text (literary or non-literary) with an analytical report.

Recommended Texts and Resources:

• Bassnett, Susan. Translation Studies.
• Venuti, Lawrence. The Translator’s Invisibility: A History of Translation.
• Munday, Jeremy. Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications.
• Baker, Mona. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation.

Final Project:

Students will select a text from a specific genre (literary, technical, legal, etc.) and produce a full translation. The project will include an analytical report discussing the challenges encountered and the strategies used to address them.