MA Applied Translation Studies

Key details

MA APPLIED TRANSLATION STUDIES

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Arts

Duration (years)

The translation industry is a huge area of growth, and demand for well-qualified translators is increasing across the globe. Our MA in Applied Translation Studies will equip you to break down language barriers and help people, organisations and countries communicate more effectively.

You’ll develop an individual portfolio of translations, take part in team projects, work with leading experts, and train in the latest technological tools for translators. With our strong industry links, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to expand your practical experience and prepare for a career in translation.

You will also gain a broad range of skills that are highly valued across a range of other professions, and that will put you in a great position to progress to further postgraduate research in the field.

About

From the very start of this course, you’ll work with experienced professional translators. You’ll develop a strong theoretical understanding of translation, which you will apply to practical translation contexts. The course will enable you to adapt and apply your skills to a broad range of careers in the translation industry. It will also allow you to develop your sensitivity to cross-cultural transfer by exploring translation and intercultural communication, preparing you for work with all kinds of organisations.

You’ll train in the use and application of the latest translation technologies and tools. You will develop a portfolio of your own translations in consultation with a professional translator. You’ll also gain translation work experience through practical group projects, including working to a real translation brief for a partner organisation.

In our multimedia self-access room, you’ll be able to enjoy extensive self-study resources and make use of a range of language-specific tools. These include keyboard switch options, customised spell-checkers and comprehensive dictionaries. You can access translating facilities, including specific professional translation software. You’ll benefit from access to our digitised Sanako language laboratory for advanced language learning, and our professional interpreter training facilities.

We cater for students with a wide range of language pairs (one of which is always English) and welcome students from across the globe. This makes our seminars particularly engaging as you will take part in fascinating cross-cultural exchanges with your peers and our staff. Seminars are focused on the relationship between theory and practice, which you can then apply to your language pair in practice via projects and essay work.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll be assessed on your coursework, which mainly involves presentations, translations, commentaries, essays and your dissertation.

You will get regular feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, as a platform for improving your work before your formal or ‘summative’ assessment, and we encourage you to discuss this feedback with your tutors.

Structure

This is a one-year full-time course, but you can also take it part-time over two years. In your first semester, you’ll learn how to use the main tools used by professional translators in the module Technological Tools for Translators. You will also take Applied Translation Theory and Practice I, in which you’ll develop your understanding of approaches in translation theory and methodologies while immediately applying them to a range of practical contexts. At the end of your first semester, you’ll start thinking about areas of specialisation you might want to pursue, and connect with a professional translator with your language pair who will provide feedback on your translation work throughout the remainder of your degree.

In the second semester, you’ll continue learning about different theoretical approaches and translation contexts in Applied Translation Theory and Practice II. You will also put your theoretical skills to the test by gaining practical experience on the Professional Translation Work Experience module, in which you will work with a company or organisation on an authentic translation brief.

You’ll take a year-long Academic and Research Skills module that will prepare you to write your final dissertation. The dissertation can take the form of a translation and commentary or a critical essay on a relevant topic of your choice. You can choose between a long- and short- form dissertation; if you choose the short-form, you will also have the chance to choose from a range of optional modules relating to different contexts where translation would be an invaluable skill.

Teaching and Learning

The Language and Communication Studies department at UEA is small enough for more personal staff-student contact and individual academic support than in many larger institutions, whilst also benefiting from the buzz of the larger, interdisciplinary School of Politics, Philosophy, Language and Communication Studies. We are at the cutting edge of research, ensuring that when you graduate you are well informed and highly employable.

Your tutors are all active researchers in the field. We have experts in translation quality and ethics, technological tools, audiovisual translation, forensic linguistics, sport translation and more. We also have specialist knowledge of cross-cultural communication, cross-cultural pragmatics, and (critical) discourse analysis.

Our year-long Academic and Research Skills programme helps you to make the most of your studies here at UEA and prepare for your subsequent career. The programme also provides a foundation for further postgraduate studies at PhD level.

You’ll benefit from numerous events and talks that will support you in your learning as you work towards your career goals. We run a series of regular talks from visiting professionals and academics, addressing translation, intercultural communication, and language and culture-related topics of global, cultural and social significance. There is also a wealth of talks, screenings and exhibitions across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and we are affiliated to the prestigious British Centre for Literary Translation.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll be assessed on your coursework, which mainly involves presentations, translations, commentaries, essays and your dissertation.

Compulsory Modules

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH SKILLS - YEAR LONG

Code PPLC7015Y

Credits 20

The year-long module PPLC7015Y is designed to familiarise postgraduate students with research resources and basic aspects of research methodology (e.g. access to, and use of, sources and resources, collection, analysis and presentation of materials and data). It is taught over two semesters: the first in the Autumn focuses on seminar-related activities, the second in the Spring on dissertation-related work. It is assessed by an oral exam on a pass/ fail basis after the end of the second semester. The module is obligatory for all LCS full-time postgraduate students on taught MA programmes and open only to them.

APPLIED TRANSLATION THEORY AND PRACTICE I

Code PPLT7017A

Credits 20

In this module, you will investigate a range of translation issues and the impact that they can have on professional translation in a range of practical contexts. You will examine key concepts in translation studies such as fidelity, equivalence, implied meaning, translatability, linguistic hospitability, and ethics. You will then contextualise these discussions in a series of sessions on specialised translation in practice, typically covering technical/scientific translation; forensic linguistics and legal translation; and subtitling and dubbing. These studies will enable you to develop your own portfolio of translations of a range of text types, which you will develop further in Semester 2. This portfolio will provide you with the material for your final essay for the module. By the end of the module, you will have greater awareness of the diverse range of careers in language services, and will have identified a research specialisation that you will pursue in Semester 2.

TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS FOR TRANSLATORS

Code PPLT7006A

Credits 20

In this module, you will be introduced to the main types of computer-based tools and technologies used in today’s professional translation industry, gaining hands-on experience of using the market-leading software for translation and project management. You will learn how to use the Trados Studio and MultiTerm packages, with the option to complete the freely available official Trados Certification exams, plus at least one additional tool. You will become familiar with principles such as terminology management, translation memory, quality assurance, project management, planning, and pricing, which will enable you to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these tools as they are used in today’s language services industry. Once you have practised using the software, you will have a chance to put your learning to the test and experience real-world working conditions through a collaborative team project. On successful completion of the module, you will have the knowledge and skills to translate or manage projects using industry-standard tools, while also becoming a confident explorer and adopter of translation technologies that will enable you to master any new tools you may need in future.

PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION WORK EXPERIENCE

Code PPLT7016B

Credits 20

PPLT7016B PROFESSIONAL TRANSLATION WORK EXPERIENCE In this module you will gain professional translation work experience with public services, private sector organisations or charities locally or abroad. You will be introduced to the professional, technical and ethical aspects of today’s translation industry by working jointly with a partner organisation to develop and fulfil an authentic professional translation brief. Through this module, you will have hands-on experience of aspects of professional commercial translation, translating to specifications, engaging in background research, and producing and presenting a product of professional standard. This experience will be supported by learning about key aspects of today’s translation profession, uncovering core concepts such as specialisation, industry structures, technologies, pricing, marketing, career development and ethical behaviour. On successful completion of the module, your knowledge and skills will allow you to translate your study of the profession to establish your career in language services, or to begin a research career focusing on this area.

APPLIED TRANSLATION THEORY AND PRACTICE II

Code PPLT7018B

Credits 20

In this module, you will build on your different approaches to translation and further explore the links between theory and practice. You will further examine key concepts in translation studies and apply them to a range of translation activities. You will analyse and translate texts both in English and the language(s) you are studying, will recognise translation difficulties and evaluate alternatives for dealing with them. This will allow you to develop the skills for identifying problems and evaluating solutions with reference to theory and encourage you to apply the skills you will develop. You will work different text types, such as: technical/scientific, consumer-oriented, audiovisual (subtitling and dubbing), etc. These discussions will allow you to develop your portfolio of translations that you started in Semester 1, on which a professional translator/linguist who shares your language pair will provide feedback and hence give you an insight into professional practice.

Optional A Modules

(60-80 credits)

MA DISSERTATION LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (MAATS 80 CREDITS)

Code PPLC7017X

Credits 80

If you’re taking a Language and Communication MA, you’ll be required to complete a Dissertation, undertaken under supervision of a member of the School’s academic team. Work on the dissertation begins after the end of the spring semester, if you’re studying full-time. If you’re studying part-time, you’ll begin your dissertation at the start of the Spring semester. The choice of topic and format is made by you in consultation with academic staff, usually before the end of the Spring semester. Your supervisor is allocated by the beginning of the period of supervision immediately after the end of the Spring semester and will provide you with general advice about approach, background literature, content, structure and presentation of the dissertation. Submission is normally at the end of August/beginning of September.

MA DISSERTATION LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (MAATS 60 CREDITS)

Code PPLC7018X

Credits 60

If you’re studying one of the Language and Communication MAs, you’re required to complete a dissertation, undertaken under supervision of a member of the School’s academic team. If you’re studying full-time, you’ll begin work on your dissertation at the end of the spring semester. You’ll begin work on your dissertation at the beginning of the spring semester in year 2 if you’re studying part-time. You’ll choose your topic and format in consultation with academic staff, usually before the end of the Spring semester. Your supervisor is allocated by the beginning of the period of supervision immediately after the end of the Spring semester and will provide you with general advice about approach, background literature, content, structure and presentation of the dissertation. Submission is normally at the end of August/beginning of September.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ANALYSIS FOR LANGUAGE PROFESSIONALS

Code EDUE7049A

Credits 20

This module provides an in-depth introduction to the description and analysis of the English language, equipping you with the main concepts and terms needed for you to undertake your professional role (e.g. teacher, translator). The module explores different systems of the English language such as grammar and discourse, and provides you with tools to analyse spoken and written language in use. You will also be encouraged to reflect on how these language systems are present in the materials that are used in your professional field and to apply your enhanced linguistic/metalinguistic knowledge to your professional practice.

TRANSLATION THEORY AND HISTORY

Code LDCE7008A

Credits 20

You’ll explore key issues in the history of the theory and practice of translation in the West. You’ll explore the changes in the cultural status of translation from ancient times to the present, analysing the ways in which translations have contributed to the reception of texts, and focusing on some of the political, theological and philosophical debates which translations have provoked. In the second half of the module you’ll focus on a range of contemporary debates in translation studies. You’re encouraged to explore your own theoretical interests and present your findings in class. There is no foreign language requirement, and all materials are read in English.

LANGUAGE ISSUES IN A GLOBAL MULTILINGUAL CONTEXT

Code PPLC7001B

Credits 20

Every day millions of people across the globe consume information on the internet or on television, mediated from languages that they do not know. How does this happen? What is at stake? Linguistically, socio-culturally? These are the kinds of question that we address with Language Issues in a Global Multilingual Context. We focus on language-related issues associated with the globalisation of communication and the media. You will consider a range of materials - texts and their translation(s), multilingual sources of information (e.g. global news, consumer information), products of audiovisual translation (e.g. subtitling, dubbing), IT mediated or processed texts - to explore issues involved in the transposition and dissemination of (spoken and written) text into other media and other languages across different spheres of activity (e.g. media, politics, culture). The subject matter relates to different domains of enquiry (including mediation/translation studies, linguistics, communication studies, cultural studies, for example) and the aim is to sensitize you to language-related issues in a global context from a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives. Within the interdisciplinary context of the module, you will develop to a high level your awareness and understanding of language and communication issues in a global world, and become familiar with different critical approaches to these issues. You will gain the ability to evaluate these approaches critically and evaluate their relevance and usefulness to your own needs and circumstances. You will acquire skills of independent research, with a focus on appropriate methodology, data collection, analysis, synthesis and evaluation, and refine your oral and written presentation skills of your findings. Sound receptive knowledge of at least one language other than the mother tongue required.

INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN PRACTICE

Code PPLC7007B

Credits 20

Do you wish to pursue a career in international management and relations, multilingual business, or international development? Are you interested in becoming a more effective communicator in other professions such as translation, interpreting, education, and cultural mediation? In this module we will explore the issues fundamental to intercultural communication (IC) in practical contexts. You will examine the different ways of thinking about effective communication in a variety of work/organisation-based environments. During the seminars/lecture series, invited practitioners will introduce you to how IC operates in specific organisations, including government agencies or in multilingual business management. On completion of this module, you will have developed the linguistic skills, cultural competence, and critical thinking required for the production of an extended research project in intercultural communication. You will also have acquired a sense of how cultural assumptions may influence communication with others from different backgrounds, and developed a greater willingness to enter into dialogue with the values prevalent in cultures other than your own.

CONFLICT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Code PPLC7008B

Credits 20

Can “cultural” differences cause conflict in communication? How are they to be resolved without prioritizing one culture over the other? In this module we study conflict and conflict resolution strategies across different cultural contexts. You will study a wide range of communication domains, e.g. everyday encounters, language at work, language in diplomatic contexts, language and social cohesion, language and racism, language and gender, and language in the globalization process, also with reference to your specific linguistic/cultural backgrounds. Our approach is interdisciplinary; it includes Face and Politeness Theories, Discourse Analysis and Intercultural Communication Studies. The module will help you understand better the conditions for cross-cultural misunderstanding and conflict and strategies of conflict escalation and resolution.

LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND THOUGHT

Code PPLC7010A

Credits 20

What is the relationship between language, culture and thought? This module discusses this relationship from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including psycholinguistics, cultural anthropology, interactional sociolinguistics, and cognitive psychology. We will look at topics such as how the grammar of our language affects our thought patterns and language processing, how cultural norms affect our language use, and how different cultures think about child language acquisition in different ways. We will also consider how different methods of research can result in different views regarding the relationship between language, culture and thought. Seminars will be focused on in-class discussion and rely on students completing weekly readings. There are no disciplinary or language prerequisites. Assessment is a final essay at the end of the semester.

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Code PPLC7014B

Credits 20

It is often claimed that intercultural communication is essential in today’s globalised world, but how can it be taught, learned and assessed? This question is essential for practitioners in a wide range of educational contexts and it is the central theme you will explore. You don’t need to have a teaching qualification to take this module. Whether you are a current or an aspiring teacher, trainer, mentor or coach, you will examine the pedagogical tools of intercultural learning that can be applied in your subject specialism. You will have the chance to gain a firm grounding in key notions from theoretical and empirical perspectives, delving deeply into critical pedagogy and uncovering core concepts, such as curriculum internationalisation, global citizenship and intercultural education. You will benefit from the flexibility of this module and gain experience in adapting new knowledge to suit your individual interests, needs and career aspirations, and will learn through a mixture of seminars and self-directed study carefully structured around central themes, analysing current research in highly interactive and critically reflective teaching sessions. As you study, you will put your new knowledge into practice through the application of theories to specific teaching and training contexts. On successful completion of this module, you will have the knowledge and skills to put yourself in a better position to gain employment where intercultural training and education is required, for example in multinational companies, non-governmental organisations, government departments, the education sector and health care industry. This module is open to both home and international students training to become teachers. It is also suited to practising or future teachers, trainers, trainees, educators, coaches, consultants, mentors, curriculum developers and any other professionals in a broad range of fields (e.g. language teaching, content and language integrated learning, media, business, politics, international relations, translation and healthcare). The teaching sessions will be delivered in the English language.

THE POWER OF DISCOURSE: REPRESENTATION AND INTERACTION

Code PPLL7001A

Credits 20

Why do some politicians or journalists prefer to say: the UK immigration number needs to be controlled rather than we need to control the number of immigrants coming to the UK? and why am I addressing you as you or we in the rest of this module description? In this module, you'll explore some of these questions and discover the ways in which language in use (discourse) shapes and is shaped by our social practices, ideologies and values, reflecting different communicative conventions and purposes. We will consider, for example, the powerful expressive patterns used in media, advertising, political speeches, news reporting, institutional contexts and how they work to persuade, entertain, manipulate or (mis-)inform us. The module will also help you discover how particular uses of language have the power to shape the way we relate to each other and continually construct our social roles. To explore this you will learn how to examine the function of language via Systemic Functional Linguistics, as well as learning how to identify power and ideologies in language via Critical Discourse Analysis. This module is assessed via coursework and support for this is embedded into each class. This is a module for those who are curious about the practical impact of linguistic choices in everyday written and oral communication. On completion of this module, you'll have learnt how to identify significant expressive patterns in any form of communication and use this understanding to challenge and/or shape communicative practice in your future studies or employment. You'll be taught in a seminar format, providing plenty of opportunity for hands-on practice and discussion and you will be assessed on the analysis of material of your own choice.

UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL MEDIA

Code PPLM7000A

Credits 20

Digital technologies are often hyped as revolutionising society. You will be introduced to the ways in which the internet and other digital technologies are (and are not) affecting society from theoretical and empirical perspectives. The module is divided into three blocks: the first introduces the theoretical debates surrounding digital media; the second discusses how our everyday interpersonal relations are affected by digital media; the third addresses the impact of digital technology on media and politics. Topics covered include: the network society; social networking and virtual communities, surveillance, digital journalism and online activism.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

MA APPLIED TRANSLATION STUDIES

MA APPLIED TRANSLATION STUDIES