LA891-7-AU-CO:
Translation with Localisation and Transcreation

The details
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
05 October 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA Q91212 Chinese-English Translation and Professional Practice

Module description

In this module you will be engaged in translation of texts in different domains to gradually gain a deeper understanding of translation as a flexible and creative process that involves multiple parties, through tasks of general translation to localisation and transcreation. You will learn to analyse source texts with specific client requirements, identify translation challenges and overcome them by applying different strategies and techniques.
In line with current translation practices, you will be trained to translate into both English and Chinese, with an emphasis on English to Chinese translation.

Module aims

In this module you will be engaged in translation of texts in different domains to gradually gain a deeper understanding of translation as a flexible and creative process that involves multiple parties, through tasks of general translation to localisation and transcreation. You will learn to analyse source texts with specific client requirements, identify translation challenges and overcome them by applying different strategies and techniques.
In line with current translation practices, you will be trained to translate into both English and Chinese, with an emphasis on English to Chinese translation.

Module Aims
The main aim of this module is to improve your all-around translation skills for dealing with a wider spectrum of translation tasks from localisation to transcreation on top of general translation. Building on the linguistic skills required, the module addresses issues of languages and cultures as they impinge on the process of translation and familiarises you with a variety of strategies for dealing with not only mismatches between source and target languages and cultures, but also extra requirements from participants of the translation activity. Discussions covered include intratextual and extratextual elements, text types, nuances and tones, localisation process, transcreation process and branding knowledge. A range of different text types will be used to cover a large variety of translation topics, including but not limited to education, culture, technology, advertising, and marketing.

The aims of this module are as following:
• To develop your practical ability to translate from English to Chinese and vice versa through a wide variety of tasks.
• To develop your awareness of specialist fields of knowledge and their characteristic text types. You will be able to recognise their most salient features for the purpose envisaged both for the original text and for the translation.
• To refine and deepen your understanding of both your own and the target language and culture. You will become familiar with a variety of strategies for dealing with mismatches between source and target languages and cultures.
• To further your understanding of the translation process and how a constellation of factors can have an impact on your translation.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will have achieved the following objectives:
• Improved skills and strategies in English-Chinese and Chinese-English translation.
• Sensitivity to text types, text function, language structure and the intricacies of intercultural communication.
• Sufficient understanding of core linguistic, cultural concepts and translation participants to be able to recognise potential problems in translation and think of creative solutions to these problems.
• Understanding of localisation and transcreation process.
• Ability to argue critically and coherently for or against specific translation choices.
• Application of relevant basic translation theories in communication with clients.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Weekly lectures on relevant theories and seminars on practice of translation belonging to different genres and dealing with different topics such as: education, culture, technology, advertising, and marketing. Classes will be complemented by departmental workshops and seminars led by professionals in the field. Please refer to the schedule that will be circulated by the MA Director. Some of the topics to be covered in class include: * Extratextual and intratextual elements * Nuances of Words * Flexibility of Tones * Localisation principles and process * Transcreation principles and process * Branding strategy

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   In Class Quiz (30 Minutes)    20% 
Coursework   Timed Translation    50% 
Coursework   Commentary (1000 Words)    30% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Ms Antonia Wu, email: a.wu@essex.ac.uk.
Antonia Wu
Antonia Wu, 3.304, y.wu@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Chonglong Gu
University of Liverpool
Lecturer in Chinese Translation Studies
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 26 hours, 23 (88.5%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
3 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Language and Linguistics

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