Computer-aided translation (CAT) (B)-English 3200-M1-1CATBA
Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) workshops, English as a B language Direction of translation: A to B and B to A.
Student’s workload: 30 class hours;
30 hours of preparation for classes;
Total 60 hours = 2 ECTS.
The aim of the course is to broaden students’ theoretical knowledge in the field of modern computer-aided translation (CAT) tools (primarily Trados and MemoQ), their architecture and individual components, as well as to improve students' translation skills related to using the features of these programs.
The course is a continuation - at an advanced level - of the course conducted at BA level.
Translation skills related to using the features of the above mentioned programs will be improved through the aid of more complex and specialized texts from a broad range of topics.
Direction of translation: A to B and B to A.
Main contents of the course:
1. Methodology of work with CAT software - features and limitations of these tools; types of texts and work efficiency with CAT software, precautions when using suggestions
2. The impact of segmentation on translation consistency - the role of the preview
3. Architecture of Trados, MemoQ and other programs - continuation; advanced options and settings, personalization of settings
4. Quality control in CAT programs - continuation
5. Using external resources in CAT tools
6. Creating glossaries with more complex entry structure; exporting and importing such glossaries in CAT programs, with particular emphasis on the capabilities of the SDL Multi Term application
7. (if necessary) The use of the Glossary Converter tool to convert glossaries into formats required by other programs
8. aligning (of parallel texts) and its use as a resource in the CAT programs (texts with advanced complexity)
9. Using an (initial) automatic translation (when translating texts of advanced complexity)
10. Using the concordance (when translating texts of advanced complexity)
FORMS OF WORK:
Translation in the CAT programs during classes; translation at home in the exported file in the two-column rtf format and importing the translation back to the project with checks and approval;
Preparation of vocabulary at home, preparation of glossaries in the CAT software during classes (individually or in a group), technical exercises, discussion about the finished translation.
WORK METHODS:
presentation, group work, individual work, discussion, etc.
TYPES AND SUBJECTS OF TEXTS:
Texts with advanced translational difficulty (specialized texts) in various fields, demonstrating a structure that allows for an effective translation using CAT tools: tables, price lists, technical specifications, bulletins and other documents with repetitive content elements.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance (2 absences allowed, including justified ones; the student is required to complete the material covered during his/her absence). Due to the specifics of the classes, in case of more than two absences, the decision about the conditions of getting a passing grade is up to the teacher.
2. systematic and timely preparation of home assignments;
3. reliable performance of tasks during classes;
4. passing mid-term tests and the final test.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Classes lead to acquiring the following competences:
KNOWLEDGE
The student knows and understands:
- the features and limitations of CAT tools
- construction of CAT tools and their advanced functionalities
- a range of free and paid CAT programs available and their basic features
- translation strategies and techniques used in various types of texts when translating with CAT tools
- the importance of protection of the intellectual property and copyrights when translating with CAT tools
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
The student is ready to:
- adequately identify and resolve the interlingual communication problems
- perform the translation in accordance with the principles of professional ethics
- independently search for solutions to the encountered problems and consult experts in the event of difficulties
- think and act actively within the ongoing translation projects
- work in a team within a translation project
SKILLS
The student can:
- independently produce translations with CAT tools and evaluate their quality
- create a glossary using the CAT software and use it in the translation project
- adjust the CAT program settings to the needs of the project
- perform an alignment of parallel texts and use its results in a translation project
- use the knowledge in the field of translation when selecting the right tools in the translation process; use some advanced IT technologies such as machine translation and post-editing of machine translation
- talk with clients about the translation-related issues in a way that is understandable also for non-specialists; properly justify his/her decisions and strategies
- discuss the subject of translation, understood as a process and as a product, considering different points of view and the latest research on translation
- manage the teamwork in the translation project
Assessment criteria
Continuous evaluation (on the basis of: attendance check, ongoing preparation for classes, activity and independent translations, performed both at home and in class), written mid-semester test and the final written test. Each requirement, if assigned, must be fulfilled independently; hence their share in the final mark is not determined.
Criteria for the evaluation of written assignments and a final written test:
99% - 100 - 5!
98% - 91% - 5
90% - 86% - 4.5
85% - 76% - 4
75% - 71% - 3.5
70% - 60% - 3
less than 60% - 2 (failing grade).
Due to the strictly technical and practical nature of the classes, participation in them is obligatory - there is no way to make up for any missed classes above the limit of 2 per semester. Excessive absences will have a negative impact on the final grade.
Bibliography
International standard: PN:EN ISO 17100:2015
Readings provided by the teacher on the e-learning platform.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: