Localisation B language - German 3200-M2-1LOKBN
1) Theoretical Part
- Localization within GILT: Localization in relation to globalization, internationalization, and the role of translation.
- Characteristics of the localization process.- Types of localization: Specificity and applied strategies for:
o Computer software, user manuals, and technical documentation.
o Product descriptions, marketing materials, and sales copy.
o Legal documents, procedures, and instruments.
o Websites, video games, and multimedia.
- Resources in localization: CAT programs, terminology databases, Quality Assurance (QA) tools,
and style guides.
2) Practical Part
- Software Introduction: Training in selected software (e.g., CAT tools).
- Group Localization Project:
o Translation and verification.
o Localization testing.
o Bug reporting and tracking (reporting and fixing errors).
Teaching Methods
- Theoretical presentations and practical localization exercises.
- Participation in a semester-long localization project.
- Individual and group localization assignments using CAT tools.
- Peer review and discussion (assessing translation adequacy and strategy).
- Source text analysis and localization error analysis.
- Technical briefings on localization aspects.
- Creating TMs (Translation Memories), glossaries, and termbases.
Student Workload
- Contact hours (classroom): 30 hours (1 ECTS)
- Independent work: 30 hours (1 ECTS)
- Total: 60 hours (2 ECTS)
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- Be familiar with various types of localization, the technical requirements of each, and the best-fit strategies for specific projects.
- Gain insight into the core concepts and common hurdles of the industry, especially when navigating the cultural nuances between the Polish and German markets.
- Be able to execute localization projects for a wide range of materials—from German into Polish (and vice versa)—by mastering the technical workflows of professional translation
software.
Pursuant to Appendix No. 19 to Resolution No. 122 of the Senate of the University of Warsaw of 25 June 2025 amending Resolution No. 414 of the Senate of the University of Warsaw of 8 May 2019 on study programs at the University of Warsaw
The graduate knows and understands:
- to an in-depth degree, the complex structure of language as a system. K_W01
- to an in-depth degree, the psycholinguistic, biological, cultural, and linguistic aspects of language use. K_W02
- to an in-depth degree, specialized terminology in the field of linguistics. K_W03
- to an in-depth degree, the main directions of development, contemporary research trends, and leading research centers in linguistics. K_W05
- on a professional level, the concepts and principles regarding intellectual property protection and copyright law. K_W07
- to an in-depth degree, the relationships between linguistics and other scientific disciplines. K_W09
- to an in-depth degree, the key concepts of translation studies and the major development trends in contemporary translation studies. S1_W01
- to an in-depth degree, the translation strategies and techniques applied to various types of written and audiovisual texts across different translation contexts. S1_W02
- to an in-depth degree, the latest directions, problems, and research methodologies in the field of written and audiovisual translation, as well as the locations of the most significant translation research centers in Europe and worldwide. S1_W03
- to an in-depth degree, the fundamental problems of translation as an interlinguistic and intercultural phenomenon. S1_W04
- to an in-depth degree, the principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law within the context of written and audiovisual translation. S1_W05
- to an in-depth degree, the economic and legal conditions governing the professional work of a translator. S1_W06
- to an in-depth degree, the translator’s work environment and the multi-stage translation process. S1_W07
- to an in-depth degree, the principles of establishing various forms of entrepreneurship and the functioning of a translator within different business models (such as freelance work or translation agencies) on national and international markets. S1_W08
The graduate is able to:
- search for, analyse, evaluate and select information in their native language and foreign languages. K_U03
- use advanced linguistic research tools and select research methods appropriate to the problems being addressed. K_U04
- communicate in their native and foreign languages in various professional situations with specialists, using various channels, techniques and communication strategies for this purpose. K_U05
- use language B at level C2 and language C at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. K_U07
- interact and work in a group, taking on the role of a language mediator. K_U08
- independently acquire knowledge in the field of linguistics and assess the usefulness of the methods, practices and procedures learned in their own professional activity. K_U09
- independently plan and implement their own education using their knowledge of foreign languages. K_U10
- collaborate with representatives of a linguistic-cultural community. K_U11
- use their theoretical knowledge of translation studies to solve complex problems in translation by creatively interpreting the source text, selecting appropriate sources (e.g. industry dictionaries, glossaries, corpora), and to adequately assess the function of the translation and select translation strategies appropriate for the target text and its audience. S1_U01
- use their knowledge of translation studies by selecting the right tools in the translation process, including advanced information and communication technologies such as CAT tools, machine
translation and post-editing. S1_U02
- use knowledge of research methodologies used in contemporary translation studies to plan and conduct methodologically sound research in the field of translation, analyse its results and
determine its implications. S1_U03
- translate various types of texts from languages B and C into their native language (language A) and from their native language (language A) into language B (and C), recognise the type of text being translated and translate it into the target language, selecting appropriate equivalents that are relevant to the given social context. S1_U04
- communicate on translation-related topics with clients, institutions and translation recipients in a manner that is understandable to non-specialists, and justify the decisions made and translation strategies used. S1_U05
- lead a discussion on translation, understood as both a process and a product, taking into account different points of view and the latest results of translation research. S1_U06
- manage the work of a team in a translation project. S1_U07
independently plan and implement their own lifelong learning thanks to their knowledge of various translation-related centres and sources that can be used to improve their translation skills.
S1_U08
The graduate is ready to.:
_ recognise the importance of the latest knowledge in the field and critically evaluate the content received. K_K01
- adequately identify and resolve problems of interlingual and intercultural communication. K_K02
- participate continuously and actively in cultural life using traditional and modern forms and means of communication. K_K03
- perform the profession of language mediator in accordance with the principles of professional ethics. K_K04
- recognise the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and seek the opinions of experts. K_K05
apply scientifically based criteria for evaluating different types of translation. K_K06
- critically evaluate original texts and their translations. S1_K01
- recognise the importance of knowledge, including translation knowledge, in solving translation problems. S1_K02
- critically evaluate research in the field of translation studies, in particular that published in scientific journals and monographs as well as popular science sources. S1_K03
- join professional translation organizations and take actions to popularize the profession of written and audiovisual translation in society. S1_K05
- initiate and conduct translation research, particularly for the purpose of improving the quality, role, and accessibility of translation in society. S1_K06
- responsibly perform the professional role of a written and audiovisual translator, taking into account changing social and market needs. S1_K07
- take an active part in the translation process at every stage of its implementation. S1_K09
- think and act in an entrepreneurial manner within translation projects and individual business activities in both national and international translation markets. S1_K10
Assessment criteria
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Requirements:
Attendance and active participation.
Ongoing preparation (presentation of one homework translation).
Participation in the semester-long group project.
Continuous assessment of localization tasks.
Creation of TMs and terminology databases.
Lexical control tests (optional).
Grading Scale: | Percentage | Grade
- 0–60% | Fail (2.0)
- >60–70% | Satisfactory (3.0)
- >70–75% | Satisfactory Plus (3.5)
- >75–85% | Good (4.0)
- > 85–90% | Good Plus (4.5)
- >90–100% | Very Good (5.0)
Attendance Policy:
- Students are entitled to two unexcused absences per semester.
- Three instances of being late (over 15 minutes) are treated as one additional absence.
Bibliography
• Esselink, B. (2000). A Practical Guide to Localization. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing.
• Fan, T et al. (2002) : The Guide to Translation and Localization: Preparing Products for Foreign Markets. Wyd. Watkins, J.; Williams, J.; Weiss, B. Portland: Lingo Systems [https://translationjournal.net/images/e-
Books/PDF_Files/The%20Guide%20to%20Translation%20and%20Localization.pdf]
• Astapenko, A. (2008). Lokalisierung komplexer Softwaresysteme. Schriften zur Technischen Kommunikation, tom 12. Wyd. Hennig, J.; Tjarks-Sobhani, M. Lübeck, Schmidt-Römhild
• Russi, D., Schmitz K.-D. : „Terminologiearbeit und Softwarelokalisierung“ w: Terminologiearbeit für Technische Dokumentation. Schriften zur Technischen Kommunikation, tom 17. Wyd. Hennig, J.; Tjarks- Sobhani, M. Lübeck, Schmidt-Römhild
• Bartnicka, M. i Hofmann-Delbor, A. (2017), Programiści i tłumacze. Wprowadzenie do lokalizacji oprogramowania. Gliwice, Helion.
• Microsoft Localization Style Guides : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/language/StyleGuides
• Microsoft Writing Style Guide : https://docs.microsoft.com/en us/style-guide/welcome/
• Google Developer Documentation Style Guide : https://developers.google.com/style/
• Apple Style Guide : https://help.apple.com/applestyleguide/
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: