The act of translation, its functions, and the way it transforms texts while transferring them from language to language have been subject of debate for a long time. Should we make foreign texts fully ours, or should we let them enrich our tradition with their foreignness? What does fidelity to the original text actually mean? Should a translator be an expert on the subject of the material being translated? Are all subjects fairly similar when it comes to translation?
This course is designed to be an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of translation and interpretation between Japanese and English. Students will learn the fundamentals of translating literary works, letters, legal documents, newspaper articles, commercial advertisements, and other materials; and will learn how to compare translations and be able to identify the merits and flaws of each. The course has both a theoretical and practical component. Theoretical issues are illustrated
by specific examples, and practical exercises are built around them. Students will become familiar with various theories of translation and will learn to implement them in their own translations; and will become acquainted with the special problems involved in translating and interpreting between Japanese and English Finally, students will be able to construct a translation with an intended purpose and/or artistic effect. (3 credits)
Prerequisites:
Enrollment in JP301 or higher, as determined by on-site placement tests
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
develop the conceptual bases required to understand both the principles and recurrent issues and difficulties in professional translation and interpreting
understand the fundamental communication issues in translation and interpretation
understand the usefulness of research about translation
develop translation and interpreting strategies and tactics and underlying norms,
understand sources of errors in translation
discuss links between practices and concepts in translation and interpretation, and concepts and theories from cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics
In addition, students will:
build Japanese language proficiency
expand knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical structures
improve reading and writing skills
develop critical thinking abilities, and
increase awareness and understanding of Japanese culture
Method of presentation:
Lecture/Discussion/Practice
Required work and form of assessment:
TBD
content:
TBD
Required readings:
TBD
Notes:
**This course is currently being developed and is subject to change**
Introduction to Translation & Interpretation
The act of translation, its functions, and the way it transforms texts while transferring them from language to language have been subject of debate for a long time. Should we make foreign texts fully ours, or should we let them enrich our tradition with their foreignness? What does fidelity to the original text actually mean? Should a translator be an expert on the subject of the material being translated? Are all subjects fairly similar when it comes to translation?
This course is designed to be an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of translation and interpretation between Japanese and English. Students will learn the fundamentals of translating literary works, letters, legal documents, newspaper articles, commercial advertisements, and other materials; and will learn how to compare translations and be able to identify the merits and flaws of each. The course has both a theoretical and practical component. Theoretical issues are illustrated
by specific examples, and practical exercises are built around them. Students will become familiar with various theories of translation and will learn to implement them in their own translations; and will become acquainted with the special problems involved in translating and interpreting between Japanese and English Finally, students will be able to construct a translation with an intended purpose and/or artistic effect. (3 credits)
Enrollment in JP301 or higher, as determined by on-site placement tests
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
In addition, students will:
Lecture/Discussion/Practice
TBD
TBD
TBD
**This course is currently being developed and is subject to change**