Introduction to Song Translation 3301-JS2826-2ST
The course is aimed at developing skills of specialised translation and raising awareness of the significance and role of non-linguistic elements in the process of translation. During the classes students have the opportunity to revisit traditional concepts of translation studies and their knowledge of both the theory and practice of translation.
During the whole semester students work in groups on a project aimed at preparing a translation of a song of their own choice. They address and analyse a number of aspects, including the original context of the performance, vocal melody and the problem of singability, sense of the lyrics or the new context of performance.
The course is divided into several modules, during which students present their findings and demonstrate progress they have made on the project.
In the course of the semester students acquire various translation skills, including the ability to critically analyse the source text, anticipate potential translation problems, select adequate translation techniques and adopt a holistic approach to translation as well as to carry out a multimodal analysis.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of translation studies within the humanities (K_W01)
- describe on an advanced level the current trends in research on translations, especially singable translation, within English studies (K_W02)
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to the discipline of translation studies (K_U01)
- apply knowledge obtained during the course to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to the discipline of translation studies, especially related to singable translation (K_U03)
- analyze linguistic, translation and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level (K_U04)
- discern alternative methodological paradigms within translation studies (K_U05)
- participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks during the classes (K_U08)
- 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 during in-class discussions and while presenting the project (K_U09).
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development (K_K02)
- take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties during the classes, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the discipline of translation studies (K_K03)
- assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the contents of the course (K_K04).
Assessment criteria
- active participation in discussions
- module-based performance, including self-assessment and peer evaluation (based on contribution statements)
- final presentation of the project work (criteria of assessment include the quality of the translation, its functional usability and contextual fit)
Students are allowed to be absent twice a semester.
The final grade is calculated on the basis of the module-based performance and the quality of the final translation.
Bibliography
Apter, Ronnie and Mark Herman. 2016. Translating for Singing: The Theory, Art, and Craft of Translating Lyrics. London: Bloomsbury.
Desblache, Lucile. 2019. Music and Translation. New Mediation in the Digital Age. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Franzon Johan, Annjo K. Greenall, Sigmund Kvam and Anastasia Parianou (eds.). 2021. Song Translation: Lyrics in Contexts. Berlin: Frank & Timme.
Franzon, Johan. 2008. “Choices in Song Translation. Singability in Print, Subtitles and Sung Performance.” The Translator 14 (2): 373–399.
Kaindl, Klaus. 2020. “A Theoretical Framework for a Multimodal Conception of Translation.” In Translation and Multimodality. Beyond Words, edited by Monica Boria, Ángeles Carreres, María Noriega-Sánchez and Marcus Tomalin, 49–70. London/New York: Routledge.
Low, Peter. 2017. Translating Song: Lyrics and Texts. London/New York: Routledge.
Minors, Helen Julia. 2013. Music, Text and Translation. London: Bloomsbury.
Osadnik, Wacław and Agata Nowinka. 2006. “The Problem of Equivalence in the Translation of Songs“. In Przekład jako komunikat, Piotr Fast and Wacław Osadnik (eds.), 103-115. Katowice: Wydawnictwo Naukowe „Śląsk”.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: