Translation and Discourse-German 3200-L2-1DAPBN1
Translation and Discourse: workshops, 30 hrs. Kierunek tłumaczenia: Direction of translation: B–A.
Student’s time investment:
30 class hours
30 hrs for individual preparation
In sum: 60 hrs, corresponding to 2 ECTS
The aim of the course is to help students acquire essential skills in the analysis of discursive features of a text for the sake of translating non-specialist texts.
COURSE CONTENTS:
1. The stages of translation, with a special focus on the comprehension of the source text and its deverbalisation;
2. Analysing the source text for (among others):
- logic
- structure
- vocabulary
- grammar
- stylistic aspects
- rhetorical effects
- factual content
- cultural dimension
- pragmatics
- intertextuality;
2. Methods of conducting texts analyses for translational purposes; sources and methods of research.
3. Selecting a strategy and techniques so as to render adequately the characteristics of the original and so as to make the target text pragmatically suited to the needs and expectations of the target recipient.
4. Types and varieties of texts. Identifying register, style and its markers, as well as methods of rendering thereof in translation. Recognising unequal importance of various elements of the text from translational perspective and being able to prioritise.
5. Analysis of keywords with the view to establishing a translational dominant and to selecting techniques that accommodate the given dominant.
FORMS OF WORK:
Analyses of the source text (identifying the aim, the recipient and the function of a source text); comparative analyses of a translation and the original; analysing mistakes in original texts and in translations; working with varied types of sources; exercises leading to formulating an adequate rendition; preparing analyses at home and discussing the findings in class; preparing brief translation drafts in class.
METHODS OF WORK:
Discussion, group work, individual work, presentations, project work, etc.
SUBJECT MATTER AND TYPES OF ANALYSED TEXTS:
Non-specialist texts on various topics, maximally varied in forms and functions: guides, brochures, websites, advertisements, press texts, leaflets, reviews, opinion journalism, speeches, interviews, etc.
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance and satisfactory performance in class, systematic and timely preparation of homework analyses and translation exercises; conscientious work in class, including involvement in analytical and/or translation tasks; satisfactory performance at mid-semester control tests and the final test.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
After completing the course, the student:
- knows the basic terminology in the field of linguistics (general and applied) and literary studies (K1_W02)
- knows and understands the relationships between languages and their role in culture (K1_W07)
- knows and understands the cultural differences that are a significant factor in the formation of multicultural societies in the contemporary world, and has a general understanding of the socio-economic and legal realities in the areas related to the languages studied (K1_W11)
- knows the basic terminology in the field of general and applied linguistics, especially translation studies, with particular emphasis on types of translation, translation theories, translation techniques and strategies (S1.1_W02)
- knows the basic types of translation, has knowledge of translation as a process, knows and is able to recognize the translator's role in the act of communication (S1.1_W06)
- has knowledge of discourse analysis, its methodology, and its applications for translation purposes (S1.1_W09)
Skills
After completing the course, the student:
- is able to critically analyze texts as cultural products and to search for, analyze, evaluate, and select authentic texts in the two foreign languages studied, and develop professional translation skills (K1_U01)
- is able to recognize characteristic cultural elements and correctly interpret ongoing socio-historical changes in relation to the realities of a given language area (two foreign languages studied) (K1_U03)
- is able to argue using the views of other authors and independently formulate conclusions, both orally and in writing, in Polish and in the two foreign languages studied (K1_U04)
- is able to possess research skills: is able to appropriately apply discourse analysis methods for translation purposes and translation analysis (S1.1_U01)
- is able to conduct a multi-faceted analysis of the source text, identifying important translation problems (S1.1_U04)
- is able to produce a medium-difficulty translation that meets quality requirements text from the foreign language studied into Polish and vice versa (S1.1_U05)
- is able to accurately identify the intended recipient of the translation and apply translation techniques appropriately to his/her needs and the client's requirements (S1.1_U06)
Social competences
After completing the course, the student:
- is ready to adequately identify and resolve interlingual communication dilemmas caused by the asymmetry of language systems and cultural differences, observing ethical behavior patterns and seeking expert opinions (K1_K01)
- is ready to critically evaluate his/her own knowledge in the field of applied linguistics and literary studies, and appreciates the importance of substantive argumentation in solving research and practical problems (in professional situations) (K1_K02)
- is ready to participate in the cultural life of the region, country, and Europe, using both traditional and modern forms and means of communication (K1_K03)
- is ready to take action in interlingual/multilingual communication to preserve the cultural heritage of a given region or country (K1_K04)
- is able to critically assess his/her own translation skills and, if necessary, consult a subject matter expert (S1.1_K04)
- Recognizes the specific communication needs of people with disabilities (S1.1_K05)
- Is able to act as a mediator in intercultural communication situations and takes cultural differences into account in the work of a translator (S1.1_K06)
Assessment criteria
Credit is given on basis of: grades for particular assignments; continuous assessment (on basis of attendance, preparedness for the classes, participation in the discussions, individually done translation work, mid-term written tests, final test, end-of-term translation assignment). Each requirement, if assigned, must be fulfilled independently, hence their share in the final mark is not determined.
The criteria of grading written assignments:
99% – 100 – 5!
98% – 91% – 5
90% – 86% – 4,5
85% – 76% – 4
75% – 71% – 3,5
70% – 60% – 3
below this level – 2 (unsatisfactory).
Two absences are allowed. (If the limit is exceeded, the student should ask the teacher for compensation assignments; if the number of absences exceeds 50%, the student fails the course in accordance with the Rules of Study).
Bibliography
Specified individually by particular teachers.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: