Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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MHAN1351 - English : Translation and Interpreting



Credits : 5

Lecturers :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , second term, 60 hours of exercises.

Language of instruction :
English

Learning outcomes :
This teaching unit (UE) includes two course units: translation and interpreting; the final examination is subdivided into two parts (a writtentranslation examination and a combined consecutive interpreting /oral summarizing examination)
Lecturers ; each part represents 50% 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 400 words into excellent 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) INTERPRETING

On completion of the “First Steps in Consecutive Interpreting and Summarising" course, final-year degree students should be able to demonstrate their ability to:

- understand and express information in a structured way in oral and written summarising tasks which prepare the ground for interpreting tasks in which they will transpose a short talk/presentation from language C (English) into language A (French) in a coherent and structured way;
- recognise and respect the author's intentions, identify the target audience and adapt the language accordingly;
- Reformulate the message heard/read using straightforward language and focusing on conveying meaning rather than form.





Prerequisites :
For the Bachelor in translation and interpreting :


Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
(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) INTERPRETING

The course initiates students in the techniques of consecutive interpretation. The focus is on developing active listening skills in order to improve comprehension but also to develop the ability to identify the logical linkages that are crucial to ensuring that the interpretation is coherently articulated. In addition, the course involves summarising tasks that serve as (i) practice in decoding the intrinsic logic of the written text/oral presentation and (ii) as preparation for short student presentations in their foreign language(s) on societal issues, which are made without using notes.



Planned learning activities and 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)
In-class on-screen correction of students' translations (paragraph by paragraph) highlighting the principles of professional translation and techniques for resolving problems.

(b) INTERPRETING

The teaching aims to build students' comprehension skills especially in relation to the structure of a presentation through a progressive methodology that focuses on developing active listening, concentration skills and the ability to reformulate content in French; methods include practical work in the language lab as well as guided exercises and simulations designed to give the students as many opportunities as possible to take the floor and speak.


Assessment methods and criteria :
(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 (Internet, dictionaries, reference works, etc.). The assessment criteria are the same as those set out above.


(b) INTERPRETING

Oral exam in consecutive interpreting and summarising in the language lab.

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.




Recommended or required reading :
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.
1. Falbo, C. (1995): Interprétation consécutive et exercices préparatoires. The Interpreter's Newsletter 6: 87-91 
2. Herbert, J. (1952): Manuel de l'interprète, Librairie de l'université Georg, Genève. 
3. Lederer, M. et Seleskovitch, D. (2002): Pédagogie raisonnée de l'interprétation, Office des Publications officielles des Communautés européennes, Didier Érudition, Luxembourg et Paris. 
4. Rozan, J.-F. (1984): La prise de notes en interprétation consécutive, Librairie de l'université Georg, Genève. 
5. Van Hoof, H. (1962): Théorie et pratique de l'interprétation, Max Hueber Verlag, München. 
6. Gillies A. (2005): Note-Taking for consecutive interpreting. A short course, St. Jerome Publishing, Manchester. 
7. Jones, R. (1998): Conference Interpreting Explained. Manchester: St Jerome Publishing.