Introduction

While translation as an academic discipline has largely evolved from literary studies, most real-life applications of translation, especially among early-career translators, are wrought in non-literary texts. This course provides you with a practice-based approach to non-literary translation. In addition to discussing the craft, we shall explore different industries where your language skills can be used eventually, including brand localization, health translation, legal translation, consecutive interpreting, and subtitling. The course starts off with a brief introduction to T&I terminology and a quick discussion of translation theory. We will then get to translate various sample texts from EN<>LOTE, anticipating potential problems with your target readers, developing an informed translation strategy, and reflecting on your choices each step of the way. An annotated dossier of translated texts will be submitted as final course requirement.  

 

Learning objectives

At the end of this course, students are expected to:

  1. Understand the concept of text types and its relevance to non-literary translation;
  2. Improve LOTE skills in translating non-literary texts;
  3. Learn the metalanguage for discussing non-literary translations;
  4. Be familiar with best practices and standards in the T&I industry;    
  5. Consider translation choices as products of an active, ethical, and responsible decision-making process.