Course overview
This course aims to develop students' skills in translation from English into Chinese as well as a solid understanding of theories underpinning translation practice. The course integrates theoretical concepts with practice. It introduces different approaches to help students become aware of their own perceptions of translation, translation processes and translation difficulties. It takes an interdisciplinary approach and utilises contrastive linguistic and cultural analyses to expose students to the features and requirements of text production in both Chinese and English as well as for different genres and purposes. Translation practice covers a variety of text types including certificates, news reports, public speeches, company descriptions, websites, policies and legal documents etc., a professional would commonly be called upon to translate. The course also provides students with opportunities to participate in group work and utilise computer-based translation technology.
Course learning outcomes
- Integrate theoretical knowledge of translation with practical skills to develop competence in critical textual and contextual analysis
- Develop strategies to deal with textual complexity and solve problems at lexical, syntactic, grammatical and conceptual levels
- Communicate effectively in bilingual and cross-cultural settings and develop empathy and skills in managing and dealing with clients from diverse cultural and social backgrounds in translation practice
- Develop digital competencies and information technology skills for effective translation
- Engage in collaborative work for research in translation studies
- Consolidate ethical awareness as a professional translator and prepare for NAATI's certification test for certified translators in the direction from English to Chinese