Introduction to translation of specialised and legal texts. Basics of Certified Translation 3301-JS2827-1ST
Class 1
Introduction to specialised and certified translations. Basic concepts. Translator’s methodology. Aspects of text analysis in specialised translation. Useful bibliographical sources. Simple practical translation exercises.
Class 2 and 3
Formal Register of language. Its basic characteristics and use. Examples of Formal vocabulary and collocations. Translation exercises.
Class 4
Introduction to the formal aspects of Certified Translations. A survey of formal conventions used by sworn translators.Tricks of the trade. The areas covered include, but are not limited to: translation problems and procedures for specialised texts, aspects of equivalence in translating specialised texts, features of legal texts such as genres, text-types, terminology. Parliamentary Acts pertaining to the profession of certified translators in Poland. Discussion of most useful bibliographical sources relevant for this domain of translation.
Class 5
A detailed analysis of common translation errors relevant for specialized translations in general and translations of legal texts in particular. Categorization of these errors based on a comparative analysis of different translations of the same texts.
Class 6
Features of legal texts such as genres, text-types, terminology. Birth Certificates. Presentation of the vocabulary and collocations pertaining to the translation of birth certificates into Polish and English. A detailed formal analysis of a variety of examples of this type of document based on genuine materials. Translation exercises.
Class 7
Marriage Certificates. Presentation of the vocabulary and collocations pertaining to the translation of marriage certificates into Polish and English. A detailed formal analysis of a variety of examples of this type of document based on genuine materials. Translation of marriage oaths from various religious denominations.
Class 8, 9, 10
Diplomas/Degrees/Certificates. Presentation of the vocabulary and collocations pertaining to the translation of different types of diplomas, academic degrees and certificates into Polish and English. A detailed formal analysis of a variety of examples of this type of document based on genuine materials. Practical exercises including the translation of diplomas, certificates and names of educational institutions in Poland, the UK and the USA.
Class 11
Powers of Attorney. Presentation of the vocabulary and collocations pertaining to the translation of different types of Powers of Attorney into Polish and English. An analysis of a variety of examples of this type of document based on genuine materials. Translation exercises including the translation of a genuine document.
Class 12 and 13
Translation exercises of selected fragments of different EU documents and publications into Polish. A detailed formal analysis of such texts including a discussion of difficulties encountered in their translation based on genuine materials. Presentation of the vocabulary and collocations pertaining to the translation of different types of genuine documents into Polish and English.
Class 14
A detailed analysis of common translation errors relevant for specialized translations in general and translations of legal texts in particular. Categorization of these errors based on a comparative analysis of different translations of the same texts.
Class 15
Oral Exam with elements of practical written translation tasks and vocabulary tests.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
K_W02 discusses key terminology related to translation studies , as well as established methods of text analysis and theories of Translation Studies within English studies
K_W06 describes established translation theories and identifies intricacies of the translation process, extends his/her knowledge of translation theory and awareness of the complexity of the translation process
K_W14describes methodology becomes acquainted with the most important contemporary approaches and trends in Translation Studies
Skills:
K_U04 implements knowledge to describe a problem and identifies means to solve it, thereby completing a project in specialised translation
K_U05 collects relevant information from various sources, critically assesses a source and usefulness of information; analyses and draws generalizations on the basis of information obtained; knows how to assess the usefulness of different theoretical concepts for research purposes as well as how to differentiate their applicability in practice.
K_U07 employs modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques
K_U12 employs the methodology of literary and translation studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
Social competences
K_K03 values responsibility for one’s own work and respects the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, follows the principles of translator ethics.
K_K04 applies the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations -is aware of the social significance of his/her knowledge, work and skills
Assessment criteria
Oral Exam with elements of practical written translation tasks and vocabulary tests.
Bibliography
M. Altschul, Esq. The Compact Legal Dictionary. Longmeadow Press Stamford, Connecticut: 1994.
Bryan A. Garner. A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press: 1995.
M. Greener. The Penguin Business Dictionary. Harmondsworth: 1980.
J. Jaślan i H. Jaślan. Słownik Terminologii Prawniczej i Ekonomicznej Angielsko-polski.Warszawa: Wiedza Powszechna: 1991.
S. Kossakowska-Pisarek i B. Niepytalska. Key Legal Words. Wyższa Szkoła Przedsiębiorczości i Zarządzania im. L. Koźmińskiego. Warsaw: 2004.
D. Kierzkowska. Selection of English Documents. Polish Society of Economic, Legal and Court Translators TEPIS, Warsaw: 1994.
E. Łozińska-Małkiewicz, J. Małkiewicz. Polsko-Angielski Słownik Terminologii Prawniczej Toruń: 1998.
E. Myrczek. Lexicon of Law Terms. Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck Warszawa: 2005.
E. Ożga. Słownik Terminologii Prawniczej. Oficyna Wydawnicza Branta: 1997.
O. Wojtasiewicz. Wstęp do teorii Tłumaczenia. Polish Society of Economic, Legal and Court Translators TEPIS, Warsaw: 1994.
L. Bar ed. Słownik Prawniczy Polsko-Angielski PAN - Instytut Państwa i Prawa. Ossolineum: 1986.
The Oxford Dictionary of the Business World. OUP: 1993.
Additional information
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