LA067-6-FY-CO:
Translation, Interpreting and Subtitling Skills

The details
2026/27
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 08 October 2026
Friday 02 July 2027
30
09 April 2026

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

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.

Module aims

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.

Module learning outcomes

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.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via a combination of lectures, seminars and hands-on practical classes, alternating between the different skills.

 

Autumn Term - 4 hours per week:

1 hour - Translation lecture

1 hour - Translation/Interpreting (language-specific seminar)

2 hours - Subtitling class

 

Spring Term - 1 hour per week:

1 hour - Translation/Interpreting (language-specific seminar)

 

Summer Term – One 2-hour interpreting revision class in Week 30

 

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.

Bibliography

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

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mrs Lexa Olivera-Smith, email: molivera@essex.ac.uk.
Lexa Olivera-Smith (translation lecture, subtitling class and Spanish seminars), Dounia Bissar (French), Laetitia Vedrenne (French), Claudia Alsdorf (German), Beatriz de Paiva(Portuguese), Ignazia Posadinu (Italian).
Lexa Olivera-Smith (translation lecture and Spanish seminars): office: 4.322, number: x2235, molivera@essex.ac.uk Dounia Bissar (French seminars): office: 4.215, nuber: x2213, email: dbissar@essex.ac.uk Claudia Alsforf (German seminars): office: 4.315, number: 2212, email: c.alsdorf@essex.ac.uk Ignazia Posadinu (Italian seminars): office: 4.320ª, number: x2239, email: ignazia.posadinu@essex.ac.uk Matilde Trucco (Portuguese seminars): office: 4.211, number: x2185, email: mt22937@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 9 hours, 9 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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