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2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5070M Introduction to Translation Technologies and Workflows

15 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Dr Serge Sharoff
Email: s.sharoff@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Module replaces

MODL5005M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

It's almost unthinkable nowadays for translators to earn a living without making routine use of specialized software applications. Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) software is primarily designed to enable translators, working individually or in teams, to re-use the results of previous translation jobs in the interests of both efficiency and consistency. It is not surprising that the use of such software is required by most translation agencies and many direct clients, especially in handling jobs involving large volumes of text and multiple languages. The same software can be used to store, organize and share terminology, and to perform a number of quality assurance checks. Larger companies are integrating fully automatic translation ('machine translation') into their workflow, with subsequent revision and post-editing of the output by human translators. Another growing area in the translation industry is project management given the growing presence of collaborative work in large translation projects.This module will introduce you to these technologies as well as their strengths and limitations. It will also introduce you to post-editing, project management and collaborative workflows.

Objectives


On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- describe the different types of computer tools available to support translation;
- make practical use of the basic functionalities of tools for terminology management, translation memories and machine translation;
- understand the role of post-editing in a professional workflow and make practical use of it;
- understand the role of the project manager;
- judge whether a particular technology is appropriate for a given task;
- assess the current limitations of the tools;
- combine the use of the translation tools with other computer tools and resources to process language data;
- orient themselves in the core literature - including Internet resources - in the field.

Learning outcomes
- critical understanding of different types of computer tools available to support translation;
- critical use of the basic functionalities of tools for terminology management, translation memories and machine translation as well as their appropriateness for a given task;
- understanding the role of post-editing in a professional workflow and make practical use of it;
- understanding the role of the project manager.


Syllabus

Professional translators are nowadays expected to make effective use of specialized tools to enhance productivity and manage projects. This module aims to give you a critical introduction to computer tools widely-used by professional translators, project management and post-editing principles. Lectures introduce the conceptual basis for the construction and evaluation of such tools. In practical classes, you have the opportunity to use them first-hand, with advice and support from the course team. The module covers cutting-edge technologies for translation, terminology management and translation management. You will have the opportunity to participate in translation projects and develop a full range of essential professional skills, including: pricing; quoting; translating with CAT tools; proofreading and reviewing; exchanging resources; finalising projects; invoicing, and performing project analyses.


Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Independent online learning hours20.00
Private study hours110.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study


Students will be required to prepare for each class in terms of research through online and print sources. The students will be required to build upon the practical work done in class and practise individually and in groups to create and evaluate translated products as well as the tools used. Guidance on this will be provided by the tutor. Students will be required to carry out regular, reflective study of their own progression and development and the implementation of the skills covered.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

As the class is practice and skills-based, a week-by-week/class-by-class formative appraisal can be made by the tutors across the degree content in the modules in which these skills will be put into practice. Moreover, the tutors will also monitor formative peer-assessment practices implemented and comment on their efficiency.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PracticalTranslation project deliverables (translated file, quote, translation memories, terminology database, invoice, self-reflection)0.00
PracticalCase study using one or more of the tools, with a critical commentary on the approach, and building on the experience gained in the translation project - 1500 words plus supporting files100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 17/09/2020

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