Targeted Translation Project
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC4035 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 4 | 60 | Summer UK |
- Code
- MLAC4035
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Summer UK
Summary
This module requires students to demonstrate practical translation skills through translation of a text or series of texts from English into Chinese (or Chinese into English for home students). This body of work is 12-15,000 words in length. Breakdown of source and target length is listed in the table below. The commentary should demonstrate how and why the translator uses the theories s/he has learnt to guide the translation and illustrate in detail the skills and techniques s/he has applied in solving the problems occurred during translation. The text(s) should so far be untranslated and of sufficient complexity to allow the student to discuss significant translation challenges. The translation itself accounts for 65% of the total mark, and the commentary 35%. A bibliography is also required, although it is counted as part of the commentary and will not be marked separately. Each student will work under the guidance of a supervisor. Options for the project include:
1. An extended translation project accompanied by a commentary
2. A subtitling project with a commentary
3. A localisation project with a commentary
All projects must be approved by the supervision team. Relevant guidelines for the three options are detailed below. Students undertaking option 2 or 3 must take relevant optional modules in Spring term.
option | Translation Length (65%) | Commentary length (35%) | additional information |
1 | SLT of up to 5,000 words | 3-5,000 words |
|
2 | 15-20 minute video | 3-5,000 words |
|
3 | Moderate to small commercial websites with no more than 5 product categories, approximately 20 webpages (html 5) | 3-5,000 words |
|
* For Localisation projects, rebuilding the target website is part of the translation. Students undertaking such projects are expected to use third-party website building tools, such as Adobe Dreamweavers, or web editing tools such as Wordpress or Squarespace, to build target websites.
Module information will be given in a designated information session towards the end of Autumn term. Students who wish to do localisation and subtitling projects must take relevant optional modules in Spring term. Students will submit proposals by the end of May for approval. Each student is entitled to 3 supervision meetings over the summer. Supervision will be arranged at three different stages, i.e., the initial stage, half way, and the period prior to submission of the finished project, in forms of either face-to-face discussion or remote communication (email/skype).
Target Students
Only available for students on the MA in Chinese/English Translation and Interpreting.
Classes
- Three 1-hour tutorials each week for 2 weeks
Each student will work on the text agreed with the supervision team. A number of individual supervisory sessions will be offered to enable monitoring of students, and one to one tuition.
Assessment
- 65% Project 1: Translation project on topic of personal choice (on condition that it is proven by the supervision team)
- 35% Assignment: Annotations and commentary in English.
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
To provide students with an opportunity to work under their own initiative, supported by appropriate academic guidance or, where appropriate, to undertake a realistic experience of targeted translation tasks.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding A1 knowledge and understanding of linguistic, textual and cultural issues relating to translation, and techniques for resolving difficulties; A3 enriched knowledge and understanding of the lexis, structures and functions of English A4 understanding of the principles of mediation between the languages of English and Chinese; Of the strategies required adequately to mediate between the source text environment and that of the target Chinese audience A5 inter-cultural awareness of social and situational issues; of the social, cultural and/or business environment of the source texts.
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via the targeted translation project.
Intellectual Skills B1, B4 critical analysis of source texts and strategy for resolving translation problems; the ability to make decisions on cultural mediation between source and target cultures; the ability to establish equivalences between idiom and grammatical structure in source and target languages; the ability to discuss the above strategies and decision-making procedures in a lucid and coherent manner in English. B3 ability to mediate between people and cultures
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via the targeted translation project.
Professional Practical Skills Cl ability to translate between English and Chinese in both traditional and new media C4 research, planning and preparation for translation assignments C6 use of professional resources, both traditional and electronic C8 ability to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and intellectual skills through written communication in both languages C9 competence in proof reading and copy editing
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via the targeted translation project.
Transferable (key) Skills D1 written presentation skills D2 working independently D3 inter-personal skills D4 time management and organisational skills. D5 working calmly under pressure/stress
Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via the targeted translation project.