Introduction to Translation & CAT Tools

Description

Course Description:

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of translation and the use of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. It covers translation theories, practical translation skills, and the application of CAT tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Students will gain hands-on experience with popular CAT tools and learn how to integrate technology into their translation practices.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the basic concepts and theories of translation.
• Develop practical translation skills for various types of texts.
• Learn the functionalities and applications of CAT tools.
• Gain hands-on experience with popular CAT tools such as SDL Trados Studio, MemoQ, or similar.
• Explore best practices for using CAT tools to enhance translation quality and productivity.

Weekly Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to Translation

• Overview of translation studies and its importance.
• Key concepts: source text, target text, translation fidelity, and equivalence.
• Types of translation: literary, technical, legal, and multimedia.
• Activity: Discussion on personal experiences with translation and expectations from the course.

Week 2: Translation Theories

• Historical overview of major translation theories.
• Key theories: Equivalence Theory, Skopos Theory, and Dynamic Equivalence.
• Comparative analysis of theories and their application.
• Activity: Readings from translation theorists and group discussion on their relevance.

Week 3: Translation Strategies and Techniques

• Common translation strategies: literal translation, adaptation, modulation, and transposition.
• Techniques for handling idiomatic expressions, cultural references, and specialized terminology.
• Activity: Translation exercises using different strategies.

Week 4: Introduction to CAT Tools

• Overview of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and their benefits.
• Key features of CAT tools: Translation Memory (TM), terminology management, and alignment.
• Introduction to popular CAT tools (e.g., SDL Trados Studio, MemoQ).
• Activity: Demonstration and basic navigation of a CAT tool.

Week 5: Working with Translation Memory (TM)

• Understanding Translation Memory: concept, benefits, and limitations.
• How TM works: creating, editing, and applying translation units.
• Activity: Hands-on practice with TM functions in a CAT tool.

Week 6: Terminology Management

• Importance of terminology management in translation.
• Creating and managing termbases in CAT tools.
• Techniques for maintaining consistency and accuracy in specialized fields.
• Activity: Build and manage a simple termbase in a CAT tool.

Week 7: Project Management in Translation

• Basics of translation project management: planning, execution, and quality control.
• Using CAT tools for project management: setting up projects, managing files, and tracking progress.
• Activity: Create and manage a translation project in a CAT tool.

Week 8: Translation Quality Assurance

• Techniques for ensuring translation quality: proofreading, editing, and revision.
• Using CAT tools for quality assurance: QA checks, consistency verification.
• Activity: Perform a quality review of a translated text using CAT tool features.

Week 9: Localisation and Adaptation

• Understanding the concepts of localization and adaptation in translation.
• Tools and techniques for translating content for different markets and cultures.
• Activity: Translate and localize a sample text considering cultural differences.

Week 10: Advanced Features of CAT Tools

• Exploring advanced features: machine translation integration, workflow automation, and custom settings.
• Best practices for leveraging advanced features to improve productivity.
• Activity: Experiment with advanced features in CAT tools and discuss their applications.

Week 11: Practical Translation Project

• Applying learned skills in a real-world translation project.
• Students will choose a text or receive a text to translate, using CAT tools to manage the project from start to finish.
• Activity: Work on a group or individual translation project using CAT tools.

Week 12: Course Review and Future Trends

• Review of key concepts and skills learned throughout the course.
• Discussion of future trends in translation technology and industry developments.
• Preparing for certification or advanced studies in translation and CAT tools.
• Activity: Presentation of final translation projects and feedback session.

Assessment Methods:

• Weekly quizzes and exercises on translation concepts and CAT tool functionalities.
• Practical assignments involving translation and use of CAT tools.
• Midterm project: Translation of a short text using CAT tools.
• Final project: Comprehensive translation project demonstrating CAT tool skills.
• Participation in class discussions and activities.

Recommended Texts and Resources:

• Books:
  • “The Translator’s Handbook” by Morry Sofer
  • “Computer-Assisted Translation: A Practical Guide” by Annette L. Smith
• Online Resources:
  • CAT tool user manuals and tutorials.
  • Access to trial versions of CAT tools.
  • Online forums and communities for CAT tool users.

Final Project:

Students will complete a comprehensive translation project, utilizing CAT tools to manage translation memory, terminology, and project workflows. They will present their work and reflect on their learning experience, including the challenges and benefits of using CAT tools in translation.

This outline provides a structured approach to introducing students to translation and CAT tools, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. It ensures that students gain a solid foundation in both translation principles and the technological tools used in the industry.