LA067-6-FY-CO:
Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
10 October 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of translation, interpreting and subtitling, offering students key professional skills that are highly sought after in the fast-growing language services industry.
The module is offered with the combination of English and one of: French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
a) Translation between French/German/Portuguese/Spanish/Italian and English
Students will develop an awareness of the multiple dimensions of meaning of written texts (both in English and in the foreign language), representing different genres and text types, including journalistic, promotional and literary texts. Students will also develop the ability to identify the texts’ most salient features and reflecting on context, target audience and style, analysing and discussing different alternatives. They will also refine and deepen their understanding of both their own and the target language and culture.
b) Interpreting
While the main emphasis of this module will be on translation, students will also be introduced to consecutive and liaison (bilateral) interpreting. They will acquire the ability to listen actively and analytically, memorise short statements, summarise, interpret and communicate effectively in both languages. They will learn to use interpreters’ strategies in order to resolve potential problems and look at practical issues like body language, anticipation, condensation, diplomacy, stress management and confident performance. They will also refine their presentational skills and receive a general introduction to note-taking techniques.
c) Subtitling:
Students will be given an insight into the basic principles and specific challenges of subtitling and will be able to use and test their translation strategies by subtitling short clips with the professional software, Wincaps Qu4ntum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will demonstrate:
1. translation skills in both source and target languages to a high level in different registers
2. the ability to reflect on context, purpose, target audience and style of texts
3. competency in commenting succinctly on translation choices
4. an understanding of the practices of consecutive and bi-lateral interpreting
5. the ability to speak publically in both source and target languages
6. the ability to listen actively and analytically, memorise short statements, predict the flow of argument, summarise and condense, use formal expression, and facilitate communication effectively in both source and target languages.
7. awareness of the principles of subtitling and the basic subtitling techniques using professional software.
8. full competency in working productively, resourcefully and efficiently alone or as part of a team.
No additional information available.
A combination of lectures, seminars and hands-on practical classes, alternating between the different skills.
The subtitling component will be taught in the Autumn term only.
The translation and interpreting components will be taught in both the Autumn and in the Spring Terms. There will be one interpreting revision class in the Summer Term.
Autumn Term
5 hours a week in total, comprising:
- 1 hour: Translation lecture
- 2 hours: Translation/Interpreting (language-specific seminar)
- 2 hours: Subtitling class
Spring Term
2 hours a week in total:
- 2 hours: Translation/Interpreting (language-specific seminar)
Class timetable: check your individual timetable: https://www.essex.ac.uk/timetables
Self-study: about 6 hours per week additional regular independent study and practice essential. This module requires a strong commitment to independent reading and translation, and independent regular practical training of interpreting and subtitling skills.
Students have the opportunity of lab work, group work and presentations in class. Emphasis is on the development of practical skills together with the reflection on underlying issues.
-
Diaz Cintas, J. and Remael, A. (2021)
Subtitling: Concepts and Practices. 2nd edition. Routledge. Available at:
http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315674278.
-
Hervey, S.G.J.
et al. (2020)
Thinking German translation: a course in translation method: German to English. Third edition. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9781315686264.
-
Cragie, S.
et al. (2015)
Thinking Italian Translation. 2nd New edition. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9781315755878.
-
Hervey, S.G.J., Higgins, I. and Wagstaffe, S. (2002)
Thinking French translation. Second edition. London: Routledge. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?pq-origsite=primo&docID=180598.
-
Haywood, L.M. (2009)
Thinking Spanish Translation. 2nd Revised ed. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd. Available at:
https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/9780203886014.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Quiz 1 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Quiz 2 |
|
5% |
| Coursework |
Translation Test (Foreign Language into English) |
|
20% |
| Coursework |
Translation Test (English into Foreign Language) |
|
20% |
| Coursework |
Interpreting Test |
|
25% |
| Coursework |
Subtitling Project |
|
25% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mrs Lexa Olivera-Smith, email: molivera@essex.ac.uk.
Lexa Olivera-Smith (translation lecture, subtitling class and Spanish seminars): 4.322, 87-2235, molivera
Lexa Olivera-Smith (translation lecture and Spanish seminars): 4.322, 87-2235, molivera@essex.ac.uk
Dounia Bissar (French seminars): 4.215, 87-2213, dbissar@essex.ac.uk
Claudia Alsforf (German seminars): 4.313, 87-2212, cnehm@essex.ac.uk
Ignazia Posadinu (Italian seminars): 4.320ª, 87-2239 ignazia.posadinu@essex.ac.uk
Matilde Trucco (Portuguese seminars): mt22937@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Ms Laurence Richard
University of Southampton
Director Centre for Language Study
Mrs Enza Siciliano Verruccio
University of Reading
Associate Professor
Mrs Laura Hedwig Anneliese Lewis
Durham University
Assistant Professor
Prof Maria Teresa Conde
University of Cambridge
University Professor
Ms Maria Isabel Moros
University of Exeter
Senior Lecturer in Hispanic Studies
Available via Moodle
Of 242 hours, 225 (93%) hours available to students:
6 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
11 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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