Module Code - Title:
TR6002
-
CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES IN TRANSLATION THEORY AND PRACTICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module aims to explore contemporary approaches in translation theory and practice from a variety of linguistic and cultural perspectives and to introduce students to the area of audio-visual translation (AVT). There will be a particular focus on developing core skills needed for subtitling and audio description using a workshop approach and AVT software.
Syllabus:
The module explores a range of contemporary theories and multimodal practices in the field of translation studies. It examines a variety of approaches to analysing the product and process of translation including functionalist and communicative frameworks such as Holz-Mänttäri's theory of 'translatorial action', Vermeer's skopos theory and Nord's text-analysis model. Students will critically engage with key concepts in contemporary translation theory such as the translator's (in)visibility and ethical issues, foreignization and domestication, and their significance in a wider cultural and socio-cultural context. The relevance of new media and technologies and the growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility in relation to translation practices will be discussed. In addition, practical activities focusing on the acquisition of skills in audio-visual translation will be a particular focus.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts in the field of translation in general and an understanding of the linguistic, technical and semiotic dimensions of AVT.
• Apply this understanding to the practice of subtitling and audio description.
• Identify appropriate translation strategies and apply them to the practice of translation.
• Evaluate the role of translation in the wider socio-cultural context.
• Create a translation product using AVT technology.
• Produce reflective work, on the topic and process of translation.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate awareness of the social responsibility of the translation profession and sensitivity to intercultural and ethical issues around inclusivity, accessibility and audio-visual translation practices.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will involve three hours of contact per week. Students will be provided with an introduction to key issues and terms and provided with a guided list of theoretical readings. Theoretical discussion will be combined with the application of concepts to examples and case studies. A workshop approach will be used to develop students' core skills in audio-visual practices such as subtitling, closed captions and audio description using translation software. The acquisition of AVT skills and a focus on issues around inclusivity and accessibility will enable students to implement innovative practices in their working contexts. Students will become more articulate and responsible through group work activities. Confidence in applying disciplinary knowledge, creativity and problem solving will be encouraged by students undertaking a translation project and reporting on it in both written and oral format.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Díaz Cintas, J., & Remael, A. (2020)
Subtitling: Concepts and Practices
, Routledge
Munday, J. (2016)
Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and Applications. 4th edition
, Routledge
Perez-Gonzalez, L. (2014)
Audiovisual Translation: Theories, Methods and Issues
, Routledge
Venuti, L. (2012)
The Translation Studies Reader. 3rd edition
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Baker, M & G. Saldanha (eds) (2019)
Routledge Encyclopedia of Translation Studies. 3rd Edition
, Routledge
Bassnett, S. (2014)
Translation
, Routledge
Díaz Cintas, J., & Remael, A. (2007)
Audiovisual Translation: Subtitling
, Routledge
Nord, C. (2005)
Translating as a Purposeful Activity. Functionalist Approaches Explained
, St. Jerome
Pérez-González, L. (2019)
The Routledge Handbook of Audiovisual Translation
, Routledge
Venuti, L. (2018)
The Translator's Invisibility: A History of Translation
, Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Veronica.ORegan@ul.ie