Translation of texts of literature (C language) - Spanish 3200-M2-1TLICH
Translation direction: C–A; A–C
Student workload:
Classroom activities: 30 hours
Independent preparation: approx. 30 hours
Total: approx. 60 hours
= 2 ECTS credits
The aim of the course is for students to acquire basic knowledge of literary translation and to develop practical skills related to the translation of literary texts. An additional aim is to foster a reflective attitude toward the role of the literary translator and to work on students' linguistic and intercultural sensitivity.
MAIN COURSE CONTENT:
1. Introduction to working with literary texts: literary analysis of the source text and contextual research as a preliminary stage of the translation process.
2. Translation practice: individual and/or group translation of selected texts (short stories, prose, comics), with particular focus on style, register, rhythm, idiomaticity, intertextuality, cultural connotations, etc.
3. Translation techniques and strategies: learned inductively through the analysis, editing, and revision of students’ own translations.
4. Reflection on text function and audience: pragmatic aspects of literary translation.
5. Revision and editing of students’ own translations.
6. Selected contrastive issues (e.g., register, cultural connotations, non-equivalent lexis, rhythm and syntax in literary texts), addressed in a practical way.
FORMS OF WORK:
Individual translation (at home and in class) and group discussion; work with source materials; identification and correction of errors in one’s own and peers’ translations; individual semester project.
If in-person classes cannot be held, the course will be conducted using remote communication tools (e.g., Google Meet) and other platforms recommended by the University of Warsaw.
TEACHING METHODS:
Discussion, group work, individual work, projects, presentations.
TEXT TYPES:
Microfiction, prose, comics.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Regular attendance and active participation in class, consistent preparation of assigned translations, timely submission of translated texts, participation in group work, and completion of an individual semester project.
Make-up assessment follows the same criteria and format as the regular assessment, unless organizational constraints require a change in format.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student:
KNOWLEDGE
-is familiar with the basic concepts related to literary translation and understands its specificity in comparison to other types of translation;
-knows and understands the preparatory stages of literary translation (analysis and interpretation of the source text, research, etc.);
-is familiar with basic translation strategies and techniques used when working with literary texts;
-understands the role and responsibility of the translator as a coauthor of the translated text;
-knows and understands the principles of professional ethics in translation, with particular attention to literary translation;
-understands the significance of cultural context in the translation process and the impact of cultural codes on the reception of the translated text.
SKILLS
-is able to analyze the source text and carry out the necessary background research before starting the translation;
-is capable of translating a literary text (e.g. prose, microfiction, comic) at a level appropriate to their stage of education;
-can identify and describe translation challenges specific to a given literary text (such as idiomaticity, rhythm, style, intertextuality, cultural references);
-is able to select appropriate translation strategies and techniques and justify their choices;
-can work with various resources (dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, online tools), assessing their relevance in context;
-is capable of editing and revising their own translation;
-can reflect on their translation choices and relate them to fundamental theoretical concepts;
-is able to comment on others’ translations, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in a clear and constructive manner.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
-is able to collaborate effectively in a group;
-understands the importance of intercultural communication and appreciates the role of translation in preserving and promoting cultural heritage;
-is willing to engage in self-reflection and critical evaluation of their own translation skills and knows when to seek expert advice;
-follows professional ethical standards and good translation practices, including in collaborative settings.
Assessment criteria
Continuous assessment (attendance, regular preparation for class, and participation)
Independent work (preparation of translations, etc.)
Individual semester project
Grading criteria for written assignments:
99% – 100% – 5! (excellent plus)
91% – 98% – 5 (excellent)
86% – 90% – 4.5 (very good)
76% – 85% – 4 (good)
71% – 75% – 3.5 (satisfactory plus)
60% – 70% – 3 (satisfactory)
below 60% – 2 (fail)
Attendance policy:
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.
Make-up assessment:
The conditions for the make-up assessment are the same as for the regular end-of-semester assessment.
Bibliography
Carbonell i Cortés, O. (1998). "La novedad entre dos mundos. Hacia una nueva teoría de la otredad en traducción." W R. Muñoz Moline (Red.), "Actas del I Congreso Internacional de la Asociación Ibérica de Estudios de Traducción e Interpretación" (ss. 379–398). Universidad de Granada.
Hurtado Albir, A. (2001). Traducción y Traductología: Introducción a la traductología. Cátedra.
Katan, D., & Taibi, M. (2021). Translating cultures: An introduction for translators, interpreters and mediators (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Lewicki, R. (2000). Obcość w odbiorze przekładu. Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej.
Tabakowska, E. (2015), "Myśl językoznawcza z myślą o przekładzie. Wybór prac (M. Heydel & P. de Bończa Bukowski, Red.)". Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego.
Tabakowska, E. (2017), "Językoznawstwo kognitywne a poetyka przekładu (A. Pokojska, Tłum.)", Universitas.
Speller, J. R. W. (2011). Bourdieu and literature. Open Book Publishers. https://doi.org/10.11647/OBP.0027
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: