Introductory description

This module introduces students to current professional practices in the language industry from a critical perspective. Through a combination of lectures and seminars based on problem-solving activities and analysis of real-world scenarios, it will offer an in-depth understanding of the main stages in a professional translation process, providing both knowledge of and skills in a variety of professional aspects relevant to the translation industry. As well as becoming familiar with language industry demands, emerging job profiles, translation competence models, the role of technology, market requirements and the need to specialise, students will develop a critical and reflexive stance towards their position within the current translation job market. Crucially, students will acquire the necessary analytical skills to assess ethical dilemmas and the challenges and opportunities of translation as a sustainable profession.
Additionally, the module will provide students with opportunities (shadowing or volunteering) to engage with Language Service Providers or organisations through an optional company visit. This exercise will allow students to engage with professionals in the industry and reflect on the themes covered in class.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The syllabus is structured in six sessions, combining lectures and seminars, with specified independent reading time in between each session. Students will be provided with handouts to prepare for group discussions and seminars based on problem-solving activities and analysis of real-world scenarios.

Session 1. The job market: insights from the profession

Session 2. The translation profession in the 21st century: European Masters of Translation competence framework

Session 3. The need to specialise

Session 4. Translation and technology: societal implications

Session 5. Translation ethics and sustainability: the future of the profession

Session 6. Work-in-progress seminar about the professional development plan (ideally in week 10)

Additionally, students are encouraged to attend an optional company visit.

Representatives from the local translation industry and members of the regional Institute of Translation and Interpreting may contribute as guest lecturers for this module.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the parameters informing professional practice in relation to translation ethics and sustainability, as well as the wider economic, political, cultural and technological context of translation.
• Acquire advanced knowledge of key translation competences and critical skills in a variety of theoretical and practical aspects relevant to the current translation industry.
• Demonstrate a profound awareness of how technology supports and modifies the role of the translator, as well as of the societal implications of CAT tools and machine translation services.
• Engage in independent evaluation of trends in the translation profession from an ethical and sustainable perspective, reflecting on the advancement of their own careers in a professional development plan.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the value of specialisation in the language industries

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

International

All modules delivered in SMLC are necessarily international. Students engage with themes and ideas from a culture other than that of Britain and employ their linguistic skills in the analysis of primary materials from a non-Anglophone context. Students will also be encouraged to draw on the experiences of visiting exchange students in the classroom and will frequently engage with theoretical and critical frameworks from across the world.

Subject specific skills

Students will develop the ability not only to understand key aspects in the translation profession in the 21st century, but also critical skills to (1) assess the key demands and expectations of the job market, (2) negotiate ethical working conditions enabling social, economic and environmental sustainability in the profession, and (3) ultimately apply their knowledge to reflect on and make informed decisions regarding the advancement of their careers.

Transferable skills

All SMLC culture modules demand critical and analytical engagement with artefacts from target-language cultures. In the course of independent study, class work and assessment students will develop the following skills: written and oral communication, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, time management and organisation, independent research in both English and the other language(s) of study, intercultural understanding and the ability to mediate between languages and cultures, ICT literacy in both English and the other language(s) of study, personal responsibility and the exercise of initiative.