Translation and Translators

Saeka TOSHIOKA (Center for International Education and Exchange)

Course Objective

• To explore different translation strategies and procedures
• To discuss roles and responsibility of translators
• To practice translation

Requirement / Prerequisite
   Students are encouraged to have some knowledge on at least one language besides English. In addition to students who are interested in translation and cross-cultural communication, Japanese students who wish to study in English are also welcomed.

Course Content
   In this course, we will explore different translation strategies and procedures to achieve 'equivalence' in translation. Also, we will think about roles and responsibility of translators. From week 10, students will work on translation projects and present them in class. Students will be expected to discuss their thoughts on language, translation and cross-cultural communication.

Class Plan
   Week 1 Orientation
   Week 2 Roles and responsibility of translators/interpreters
   Week 3 Localization and Foreignization
   Week 4 Equivalence at word level
   Week 5 Grammatical equivalence
   Week 6 Textual equivalence
   Week 7 Pragmatic equivalence
   Week 8 Translating spoken words
   Week 9 Constraints in Translation
   Week 10 Translation Projects (1)
   Week 11 Translation Projects (2)
   Week 12 Students' Presentations (1)
   Week 13 Students' Presentations (2)
   Week 14 Students' Presentations (3)
   Week 15 Conclusion

* The schedule may be revised in the beginning of the course.
* Depending on the class size, the presentations may start earlier than Week 12.

Textbooks
   Chapters from Baker, Mona (2011) In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation, 2nd edition, Oxson: Routledge.
* Other reference materials can be suggested in class.

Grading Policy

• Final essay 50%
• Translation projects and presentations 40%
• Class participation 10%