Translation of culture-related texts (B language)-Spanish 3200-M1-1TKUBH

The aim of the course is to develop techniques and fluency in the written translation of cultural texts from a foreign language into Polish and from Polish into a foreign language.

Students deepen their knowledge of specialized terminology across various areas of culture and refine their translation skills through independent translation practice, self-editing, commentary on their translation choices, and analysis of both their own work and that of their peers.

Student workload:
Contact hours: 30 hours
Independent preparation: approx. 20 hours
Total: approx. 50 hours

COURSE CONTENT:
-analysis of texts representing various genres
-in-depth study of translation techniques and strategies using examples of cultural texts;
-specific challenges of translating cultural texts: terminology work, dealing with foreign, individual, and native terms;
-stylistic challenges (e.g., titles, wordplay, metaphors, neologisms, and features of the author’s individual style);
-pragmatic issues (audience needs and client requirements as criteria shaping the translation project, including the scope and form of paratexts);
-appropriate selection and use of dictionaries, reference sources, and parallel texts;
-fostering a professional approach to simulated translation assignments and clients, in accordance with translator’s ethics.

TEXT TOPICS:
The texts concern various aspects of culture and are selected by the instructor based on the dominant areas of translation in the relevant linguistic and cultural context.

TEXT TYPES:
-short and long-form journalistic, popular science, and academic texts – with a focus on the humanities (articles with bibliographies, abstracts), essays, book chapters, websites;
-opinion pieces combining specialist and colloquial language (e.g., commentaries, reviews);
-exhibition leaflets, event programmes, websites.

FORMS OF WORK:
-independently prepared translations discussed in class, as well as translations completed during class sessions;
-analysis of the student’s own translations and those of peers;
-teamwork involving various roles (project management, terminology work, translation, editing, and proofreading);
-preparation of glossaries in specific fields;
-self-editing exercises.

Course coordinators

Term 2026Z:

Małgorzata Gaszyńska-Magiera

Term 2025Z:

Anna Jamka

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

Knowledge of Polish (A) at C2 level, and foreign (B) at least at C1 level. The student knows the basic methods and strategies of translation, can critically use the sources and dictionaries, identifies problems in the translation of written text.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student:
KNOWLEDGE:
- has a stock of specialist vocabulary enabling them to translate cultural texts (S1_W01, K_W02, K_W03, K_W05, K_W11, S1_W03, K_W05, K_W07, K_W11, S1_W04, K_W01, _W02, K_W10),
- know the appropriate translation strategies and techniques adapted to specific types of texts (S1_W02, K_W01, K_W02, K_W03, K_W10, S1_W03, K_W05, K_W07, K_W11, S1_W04, K_W01, _W02, K_W10)
- is able to define a translation project taking into account the needs of the recipient and the requirements of the client (S1_W05, K_W09, S1_W06, K_W09, K_W13, S1_W07, K_W09, K_W13, S1_W08, K_W13).
SKILLS:
- is able to select specialist dictionary, terminology and text sources and use them (S1_U08, K_U11, K_U13)
- correctly classifies the type of text, appropriately selects translation techniques, and is able to justify their choice (S1_U05, K_U07, K_U08, K_U09, S1_U06, K_U03, K_U07, K_U08, K_U09, K_U11, S1_U07, K_U07, K_U10),
- skilfully translates specialist and non-specialist texts from a given field of culture (S1_U04, K_U03, K_U04, K_U07, K_U08, K_U09, K_U10, K_U11, K_U13, S1_U07, K_U07, K_U10),
- has the ability to self-correct (S1_U04, K_U03, K_U04, K_U07, K_U08, K_U09, K_U10, K_U11, K_U13),
- is able to prepare the appropriate graphic form of the translated text (S1_U04, K_U03, K_U04, K_U07, K_U08, K_U09, K_U10, K_U11, K_U13).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES:
- understands the translator's responsibility towards the client, author and recipient of the target text (S1_K01, K_K01, K_K05, K_K06),
- is able to work in a team (e.g. as part of a translation project) (S1_K10, K_K04),
- knows and consistently applies the principles of professional ethics for translators (S1_K07, K_K02, K_K03, K_K04, S1_K09, K_K02, K_K04, K_K06).

Assessment criteria

Continuous assessment based on:
- attendance and preparation for classes,
- independent work (preparation of the required number of translations with autocorrect),
- satisfactory performance of other tasks indicated by the teacher (eg analyzes, glossaries),
- positive evaluation of all partial works,
- final semester credit.

Criteria for the evaluation of translations:
Translations are evaluated in terms of translation, formal-linguistic and pragmatic.
Grading scale:
99% -100% - 5!
98% -91% - 5
90% -86% - 4,5
85% -76% - 4
75% -71% - 3.5
70% -60% - 3
below - 2 (nzal)

Two absences are allowed. If the student exceeds this limit, they should contact the teacher to arrange how to make up the missed material. If more than 50% of classes are missed, this constitutes grounds for failing the course, in accordance with the Study Regulations.

Resit assessments are conducted under the same rules as the first-term assessment, unless this is not possible or the instructor has specified different conditions in the course syllabus for the group.

Bibliography

Classes are of a workshop nature and compulsory literature is not required to pass the subject.
We use single and bilingual dictionaries, language dictionaries. Polish, lexicons and encyclopedias, analogical texts, language corpora.