English: Translation

Teacher(s)

Lafontaine Jean-Marc; Lepage Thierry; Ochsenmeier Erwin (compensates Lafontaine Jean-Marc); Vanderputten Caroline;

Language

English

Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

This teaching unit (UE) includes two course units: “Translation” and “Sight Translation”. The final examination is consequently divided into two parts: the “Translation” examination, which accounts for 70% of the final mark, and the “Sight Translation” examination, which accounts for 30% of the final mark. (a)    Translation from C to A On completion of this course students should be able to: - make effective use of translation strategies to resolve difficulties that are typical of English to French translation (translation of idiomatic constructions, elliptical sentences, etc.) and to produce a translation in a natural and fluent French; - convey the message of the original respecting the author's intentions as well as using suitable equivalent style and register; - weigh up the suitability of different translation options, and be able to ‘stand back' and select the most suitable of these in light of the different parameters involved. - to translate an advanced-level general-topic English text of around 350-400 words into high-quality, idiomatic French while respecting the norms of professional translation; the course equips students with the skills they need to accomplish this task, including learning how to carry out documentary and terminological research in an effective way, making effective use of word-processing functions, and respecting applicable typographical standards. (b)    Sight Translation On completion of this course students should be able to understand authentic texts of around 400 words written in standard English, which they learn to translate orally and “on sight” into a natural, fluid French that is faithful to the form and content of the original.

Content

(a) Translation from C to A
English to French translation exercises focusing on the use of different translation strategies to produce a translation that is both accurate and written in excellent French, and to resolve difficulties which are typical of English to French translation.
The course instructs students in the current norms of professional translation. The emphasis is also on the translation's accurateness, on the quality of the target language and on typographical norms. Students also learn how to carry out effective research using the tools of the trade (dictionaries, encyclopedias, Internet) in order to resolve difficulties in relation to a field or discipline (documentary research) or the terminology in a text.
(b)    Sight Translation
Translation exercises with systematic formative correction in order to offer students useful comments and explanations with respect to the difficulties they encounter during their translations.

Teaching methods

(a)    Translation from C to A
Translation exercises with detailed formative correction as well as commentary and explanation in relation to the translation difficulties encountered. Guided translation with comprehensive formative correction (commentary on syntactic, lexical, semantic, stylistic and cultural aspects; principles of professional translation and techniques for resolving problems )

(b)    Sight Translation
Exercises (practical or applied exercises, laboratory work, tutorials, simulation, etc.)

Evaluation methods

(a)    Translation from C to A
Students may work on unmarked optional translations, have these corrected (using the same criteria as the final exam) and receive feedback in order to pinpoint any difficulties they may be encountering.
The written exam in June involves the translation of a text of 350-400 words in 2 hours. Each student uses a workstation equipped with a computer and may use the standard tools of the trade (dictionaries, reference works, the Internet - except for those websites not allowed by the lecturer, etc.). The assessment criteria are the same as those set out under “Learning Outcomes”.
August/September exam: translation of a text of 350-400 words in 2 hours. Each student uses a workstation equipped with a computer and may use the standard tools of the trade trade (dictionaries, reference works, the Internet - except for those websites not allowed by the lecturer, etc.). The assessment criteria are the same as those set out under “Learning Outcomes”.
(b)    Sight Translation
1/ During the May/June session, the evaluation will consist in an oral sight translation to be done individually and as taught during the semester, without any dictionary or translation tool/software.
2/ Students taking the exam during the August/September session will do likewise.

A pass mark for this course unit (10/20) at the June examination will automatically be transferred to the September examination should the student have to retake the teaching unit examination.

Bibliography

ECO, U. (2003), Dire presque la même chose, Grasset et Fasquelle.
LADMIRAL, J.-R. (1994), Traduire : théorèmes pour la traduction, Gallimard.
RICOEUR, P. (2004), Sur la traduction, Bayard.
WECKSTEEN-QUINIO, C. et al (2015), La traduction anglais-français. Manuel de traductologie pratique, De Boeck.
DELISLE, J. (2004), La traduction raisonnée. Manuel d'initiation à la traduction professionnelle de l'anglais vers le français, Les Presses de l'Université d'Ottawa.
HERVEY & HIGGINS (2002), Thinking French Translation, Routledge.
BAKER, M. (1992), In Other Words, Routledge.
VINAY & DARBELNET (1995), Comparative Stylistics of French and English, Benjamins.

Faculty or entity

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