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FutureLearn

Working with Translation: Theory and Practice

Cardiff University via FutureLearn

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Overview

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Explore what it means to communicate in multiple languages.

Translation is one of the most fundamental of human activities, allowing us to interact with one another within and across cultures.

Drawing on the research and expertise of specialists at Cardiff University and the University of Namibia, on this course, you will discover a wealth of practical tips and knowledge about the nature of translation in an increasingly multilingual world.

You will explore translation in a global context, and observe translation in healthcare and the justice system as well as in music, manga, video games and historical romances. You may even discover your own ‘inner translator’ in the process!

This course is for anyone interested in language and translation.

Syllabus

  • What is translation?
    • What is Translation?
    • Types of Translation
    • Summary
  • Who translates?
    • Who Translates?
    • The Translation Profession
    • Translators and Translation Users
    • Beyond the Profession: Bilinguals and Multilinguals as Translators
    • Who translates? Summary
  • Where does translation take place?
    • Where does translation take place?
    • Translation between and within locations
    • Case Studies
    • Physical spaces and translation
  • What is a good translation?
    • Theoretical approaches to quality
    • Industry approaches to quality
    • Quality in specialised translation
    • Quality in literary translation
    • Quality in professional interpreting
    • Working with translation and interpreting. Course summary

Taught by

Dorota Goluch, Cristina Marinetti and Loredana Polezzi

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 159 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at FutureLearn based on 240 ratings

Start your review of Working with Translation: Theory and Practice

  • Anonymous
    This course carries with it a wealth of information about the topic of translation and interpretation and how we interact with and use them in our lives. It addresses difficulties, provides case studies, poses critical thinking questions, and offers…
  • Anonymous
    Fantastic course delving into the working issues in connection with translation and interpretation. Explains what you're getting into should you decide to work in this field. Also touches on multilingualism and multiculturalism as these are connected to high-quality translation work. Describes what life is like if one is a translator, what the responsibilities are, and why translation work is important. I wish everyone who takes this course joy and learning!
  • Profile image for Jagoda M
    Jagoda M
    4
    This course is quite interesting and offers many case studies that relate to the topics discussed, to allow you to more fully engage with the content, but the actual content about translation, such as 'who translates?', 'where does translation take…
  • Profile image for Nikoletta Georgieva
    Nikoletta Georgieva
    5
    I found the course very enlightening, interesting and useful. It is not intended to turn you into a specialist in the field of translation, but it sure broadens one's horizons and provides a lot of insight into the different aspects of translation,…
  • Anonymous
    As an aspiring translator, I found the course to be very informative and made change the narrow vision I had about translation. The course gave me great perspective about the history of translation, how, when, where, and by whom it is used. I entere…
  • Anonymous
    The translation class was very good and well organized. The videos and articles were clear, professional, and very informative. They explained the concepts in a practical way and helped show the importance of accuracy and cultural understanding in translation. Overall, the course felt complete and provided valuable knowledge for anyone interested in learning more about translation.
  • Anonymous
    It's a good introduction course for those who want to understand the functioning of translation, the differences between an interpreter and translation and the complexities of translation across different genres and audiences. I would suggest they need to assign more translation excercises.
  • Anonymous
    I'm taking this course and I like it so much that I can't stop going on, step by step, even when a week is completed! I have learned a lot about the types of translation and about what a translator/interpreter is required to be or to do. I find my coursemates' comments and findings very interesting and useful, and I really appreciate being read by the tutors, it makes me feel they are present and take our work into consideration.
  • Anonymous
    I have really enjoyed taking this course! I have found it truly insightful and interesting, the information provided in the videos and articles is extremely relevant and I feel I have learnt so much related to the theory and practice of translation…
  • Anonymous
    Excellent course with relevant information. Different points of view about translation and interpreting.
  • Anonymous
    I found this course very informative and an eye opener into the world of translation / interpretation. Being a multilingual I took a lot of things for granted and did not think of the implications of translating or interpreting. The course outline was clear with a bibliography available after each week. For a person wanting to go into the field of translation / interpretation I recommend working through this course outline to get an understanding of what is required.
  • Profile image for Ivan Petryshyn
    Ivan Petryshyn
    5
    The course is very entertaining. Not boring or too academic.
    It summarizes and emphasizes the most essential rules, norms and best practices known to the Interpreters/Translators.
    It can serve as a good introductory general course for the students of Translation Departments with Italian as a major.

    A nice course! Un corso bellisssimo! Grazie! Thank you! Diakuyu! IIP
  • Anonymous
    This is a great course! When is comes to learning languages, translation follows. Whether you've just started learning a language or have already mastered or if you're someone like me, who grew up in a country where you learn at least 3 languages right from your childhood/primary school.

    I would recommend this to not only Translators but anyone who is a bilingual or a Polyglot. It gives you good insight on how to go about translations!
  • Anonymous
    Very helpful and interesting course as an introduction to the world of translation and interpreting. It's as varied as insightful, and many real-life case studies are presented for students to reflect upon. I recommend it to anyone looking for an introduction to the profession.
  • Profile image for Luis Ribeiro
    Luis Ribeiro
    32
    Good introductory course for those who are thinking of studying to be a translator/interpreter. If you're looking for tips and practical examples on how translation/interpretation is actually done, look somewhere else. The mooc just addresses important but not practical issues, such as broad definitions for translation/interpretation, what/where a T/I does/works etc.
  • Anonymous
    I absolutely loved this course. I found it very useful and it gave me so much new information about the process of translating and interpreting I was not aware of. I found the division of the course very appropriate and clear and the explanations…
  • Profile image for Ivan Petryshyn
    Ivan Petryshyn
    5
    That's a very nice introductory course for Translators or students of Translation Departments.
    Nice examples, quizes, interesting reviews, videos, etc.
    I would assign it to all, who are involved in translation.
    Thank you. Ivan Petryshyn
  • Useful either as CPD or to consider new viewpoints, well presented and logically built into this four-week MOOC. Would also be suitable for newbies. Thank you!
  • Anonymous
    A very insightful and well-structured course. The wealth of relevant ideas, tips, and examples directly applies to my Business English teaching, and I've already placed a stronger focus on my own daily translations.
  • Anonymous
    A very stimulating and engaging course. I really enjoyed how much it encouraged reflection and the breadth of topics covered was impressive without feeling rushed or shallow. It was nice to have a combination of video and articles in order to vary the way information was presented. Perhaps other audio discussions in podcast form could be another way to vary this even further.
    It was good to have quizzes and, if anything, I would have liked to have more of this aspect to really check understanding of the materials presented. The assignments were enjoyably varied and I appreciated being asked to actively respond to the briefs provided.

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