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TRN2101 Introduction to Translation

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Code

TRN2101

Title

Introduction to Translation

Prerequisites

None

Credits

3

Description

This is the core prerequisite course for students in the Translation and Interpreting Minor. The course introduces the basic principles of translation from Russian into English and vice-versa, with special emphasis on translation history and theory, textual analysis, vocabulary building, systematic research, and team work. The course provides an overview of the translator’s profession in Central Asia and throughout the world and at the same time hones the skills involved in solving practical translation problems. Students are encouraged to analyze what “works” about their own translations, what doesn’t work, and why.

Objectives

1. General knowledge of the history of the English language and the history of the Russian language, including the role that translation has played in both. 2. Improved understanding of English-speaking culture and of the intimate relationship between culture and language. 3. General understanding of the main concepts involved in translation and interpreting, including both strictly theoretical concepts, like “equivalence” or “translatability,” and more general linguistic concepts, such as “idiom,” “register,” or “collocation.” 4. Improved understanding of comparative English/Russian grammar. 5. General knowledge of the job market for translators in Kazakhstan and Central Asia and the professional resources available to them. 6. Research skills necessary to solve higher-level translation problems.

Assessment

60 % -first and second assessments
40 % -final assessment

Tentative course outline

Week1

INTRODUCTION. Syllabus and Course Plan. Crossword game.

Week2

INTRODUCTION. Attendance counts starting this week! Language

Week3

TRANSLATION HISTORY I. Workbook ready this week. Lecture and discussion on “Indo-European Languages” and “The Russian Tradition.” Video on “Русский язык за 18 минут.”

Week4

TRANSLATION HISTORY II. Lecture and discussion on “The British Tradition.” Video on “History of the English Language in Ten Minutes.”

Week5

TRANSLATION HISTORY III. Lecture and discussion on “The American Tradition.” Cultural Studies. American Holidays. Anglo-American Pop Music (= Rock Your English).

Week6

TRANSLATION HISTORY IV. Comparative cultural stud

Week7

PRACTICE EXAMS (Monday and Wednesday) FIRST MIDTERM (Friday)

Week8

TRANSLATION THEORY I. Midterms returned. First Assessment reported. Lecture and discussion on “Globalization.”

Week9

TRANSLATION THEORY II. Lecture, discussion, and exercises on “Globalization.”

Week10

TRANSLATION THEORY III. Lecture, discussion, and exercises on “Equivalence.”

Week11

TRANSLATION THEORY IV. Lecture, discussion, and exercises on “Culture.”

Week12

PRACTICE EXAMS (Monday and Wednesday) SECOND MIDTERM (Friday)

Week13

TRANSLATON PRACTICE I. Midterms Returned. Second Assessment reported. Texts TBA.

Week14

TRANSLATION PRACTICE II. Texts TBA TRANSLATION PRACTICE III. Texts TBA. TRANSLATION PRACTICE III. Texts TBA. TRANSLATION PRACTICE II. TRANSLATION PRACTICE II. Texts TBA

Week15

TRANSLATION PRACTICE III. Texts TBA.