The Reception of Translation in the Target Context 3301-JS2813
The course discusses the phenomenon of translation in reference to the way in which target texts are/ may be accepted/ unaccepted, evaluated, understood, perceived, read, discussed (generally received) by the target audience / in the target context. This is done by analyzing sample source texts as regards their culture-, ideology- and language-related specificity (hypothesizing about the potential reception), and also by comparing source texts with their existing translations and evaluating their potential and/or real reception (vox populi – e.g. Internet forums, personal communication; critics’ opinions). The source texts discussed are English, the receiving language is Polish. Occasional references are made to the Polish-English direction of translation as well as to other languages.The material taken into consideration are mainly literary texts and audiovisual productions (films), with occasional reference to pragmatic texts. The theoretical background taken into consideration includes:- Descriptive Translation Studies (Toury), with emphasis on norms and norm differences between the source and target context- relationships between literary systems (Polysystem Theory)- Even-Zohar’s notion of “cultural repertoire”- Venuti’s notions of foreignization and domestication in translation- Nida’s concept of dynamic equivalenceClass activities and home assignments include reading, discussion, doing research as regards the reception of particular texts (e.g. questionnaires).The issues discussed are not limited to the linguistic/cultural aspects of particular source and target texts. Discussion will also concentrate on the target text, as presented to the target audience, as a complete whole – taking into consideration the layout of the whole book, its cover, the blurb, the way in which information about the original language, title, the author, and the translator is presented (in the case of literary translation).The potential conclusions pertain to the status of the language (and culture) of the original, as well as to that of the translation (particular one/s and in general), and the translator in the target (Polish) context.
Course for second-cycle (MA) full-time students.
Education at language level B2+.
Competence in the Polish language is required.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
For students who started their studies in the academic years 2022/23-2024/25
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
K_W01: Identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of linguistics within the humanities with special emphasis on the relation; between language and the cultural context in the field of translation studies
K_W02: Describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research within English studies with special focus on translation studies.
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01: Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to translation studies;
- K_U03: Apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to linguistics, and specifically to translation studies;
- K_U04; Analyze linguistic, literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level: special focus on the functioning and reception of translated texts;
- K_U05: Discern alternative methodological paradigms within linguistics and translation studies;
- K_U08: Participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum;
- K_U09: Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form.
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K02: Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development;
- K_K03: Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies;
- K_K04: Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies.
For students beginning their studies in the academic year 2025/26
Knowledge
The graduate has in-depth familiarity with:
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in relation to the theory of translation, with special focus on the factors influencing the reception of translated texts in the target context
K_W04 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
The graduate is able to:
K_U01 apply the advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, in relation to the theory of translation, especially when it comes to the issues connected with the reception of target texts in the target context
K_U04 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Education at language level B2+
Assessment criteria
The students will be assessed on the basis of the results of their home assignments and in-class work and the term paper they will be asked to write at home at the end of the course. Writing the term paper is essential for passing the course. The expected length of the paper is 6-10 pages (font Times New Roman 12, 1.5 spacing), and the topic is the reception of translation/s of (a) selected text/s with reference to the theoretical issues discussed during the course.
Assessment of the term paper depends not only on the quality of the content but also on the quality of the form (including language correctness).
If the term paper is negatively assessed. the student is required to write a new one (on the same or a different topic, depending on the reasons for negative assessment).
3 absences are allowed.
Bibliography
Baker, Mona (ed.) (1998) Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies, London / New York: Routledge.
Baker, Mona (ed.) Critical Readings in Translation Studies, London and New York: Routledge.
Bassnett, Susan (2002) Translation Studies, 3rd ed. London / New York: Routledge.
Baumgarten, Stefan (2010) Translation as an Ideological Interface. English Translations of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf”, Saarbrücken: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller.
Cronin, Michael (2009) Translation Goes to the Movies, London / New York: Routledge.
Díaz Cintas, Jorge—Gunilla Anderman (eds) (2009) Audiovisual Translation. Language Transfer on Screen, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Guttfeld, Dorota (2008) English-Polish Translations of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Toruń: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Grado.
Hermans, Theo (ed.) (1985) The Manipulation of Literature, London: Croom Helm.
Kuhiwczak, Piotr—Karin Littau eds. (2007) A Companion to Translation Studies, Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Lefevere, André (ed.) (1992) Translation / History / Culture. A Sourcebook, London / New York: Routledge.
Munday, Jeremy (2008) Style and Ideology in Translation. Latin American Writings in English, London and New York: Routledge.
Nida, Eugene (1964) Toward a Science of Translating, Leiden: Brill.
Skibińska, Elżbieta (ed.) (2009) Przypisy tłumacza, Wrocław and Kraków: Księgarnia Akademicka.
Staniów, Bogumiła (2006) Z uśmiechem przez wszystkie granice. Recepcja wydawnicza przekładów polskiej książki dla dzieci i młodzieży w latach 1945-1989, Wrocław: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego.
Toury, Gideon (1995) Descriptive Translation Studies and Beyond, Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Venuti, Lawrence (1995) The Translator’s Invisibility, London and New York: Routledge.
Venuti, Lawrence (1998) The Scandals of Translation: Towards an Ethics of Difference, London and New York: Routledge.
Venuti, Lawrence (ed.) (2000) The Translation Studies Reader. London and New York: Routledge.
Academic papers made available to students via the e-learning platform.