Computer-aided translation (CAT) (B)-French 3200-M1-1CATBF
Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT), French as B language: 30h worshops. Direction of translation: A to B and B to A.
Student’s workload:
30 class hours;
25 hours of preparation for classes;
5 hours of preparation for evaluation test.
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)
11. Translation services and standardization: standard ISO 17100:2015; certification
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.
TEXT TYPES AND TOPICS:
Texts of advanced translational difficulty (specialized texts) in various fields, having 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 unjustified absences allowed; 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 teacher can refuse to give credit for the coruse. Due to the equipment required, it might be impossible to organize a make-up evaluation test after the semester ends.
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
Term 2025Z: | Term 2024Z: |
Learning outcomes
The course allows to gain the following competences:
KNOWLEDGE
Students is familiar with:
- the usage and limitations of CAT tools,
- the structure of CAT tools and their advanced functions,
- free and license CAT programmes available on the market and their basic features,
- translation techniques and strategies used for various types of texts translated with CAT tools,
- rules of intellectual property protection and copyright in the context of translation with the use of CAT tools.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
The student is ready to:
- identify and resolve adequately interlingual communication issues,
- follow job ethics and professional ethics while translating,
- independently search for solutions of issues and ask experts for their opinion if the solution should prove difficult,
- think and act resourcefully in the context of translation projects,
- work in a team in the context of translation projects.
SKILLS
Student can:
- prepare their own translation with the use of CAT software and assess its quality,
- prepare a glossary with the use of CAT software for a project,
- align texts and use the alignment in a translation project,
- use the translation knowledge by choosing the appropriate tools in the translation process, including advanced information and communication technologies, such as machine translation and post-edition,
- communicate in a non-specialist-friendly way on topics related to translation with clients, institutions and translation audiences and adequately explain their decisions and translation strategies used,
- discuss translation as process and product, taking into account various points of view and the most recent findings in translation studies,
- manage the team in a 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.
Practical placement
-
Bibliography
Although the classes are of a practical character, reading at least some of the following books/articles is recommended (sharp parentheses contain the information on the availability of the items in selected UW libraries):
Bogucki, Łukasz (2009): Przekład wspomagany komputerowo. Warszawa: Wyd. Nauk. PWN
Bowker, Lynne (2008): Computer-Aided
Translation Technology. A Practical Introduction. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press
Cronin, Michael (2013): Translation in the Digital Age, London & New York: Routledge
Hejwowski, Krzysztof (2015): Iluzja przekładu. Przekładoznawstwo w ujęciu konstruktywnym. Katowice: Śląsk [especially Chapter 2: „Proces tłumaczenia” and 9: „Błędy tłumaczeniowe”]
Kozłowska, Zofia; Szczęsny, Anna (2018): Tłumaczenie pisemne na język polski. Kompendium. Warszawa: Wyd. Nauk. PWN [especially Chapter 1: „Podstawy tłumaczenia pisemnego”]
Olohan, Maeve (2016): Scientific and technical translation. London & New York: Routledge
Somers, Harold (ed.) (2000): Computers and Translation. A Translator’s Guide. Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins
von Kleist, Simon (2013): „Quality assurance in computer-assisted technical translations”, Komunikacja Specjalistyczna, nr 6 (2013), pp. 25-43; http://www.ks.uw.edu.pl/NUMER_6-2013.pdf
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: