2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EAST3630 Advanced Chinese to English Translation

20 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Dr Martin Ward
Email: m.s.ward@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Successful completion of Level 2 Chinese

Pre-requisites

EAST2015	Chinese 2A
EAST2016	Chinese 2B

Co-requisites

EAST3275

Chinese 3: Advanced Skills

Module replaces

EAST 3620 Practical Chinese to English Translation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Going beyond translating from Chinese into English purely as a language-learning exercise, this module introduces you to the techniques, strategies and broader considerations which are needed to translate from Chinese into English for a wider readership. You will translate a range of Chinese texts for a variety of English-speaking readerships. This module can serve as a taster for those considering taking an MA in translation and a career in translation and language services, but it will also be useful for those who do not intend to become translators, but who may occasionally be asked to translate as part of their work. It will also benefit those interested in problems in intercultural communication between Chinese and English speakers generally.

Objectives

The primary aim of this module is to develop students’ translation competence, building on the previous 3 years of their Chinese language studies at Leeds. The module will build a fundamental awareness of relevant theoretical concepts and the considerations which must be taken into account when translating from Chinese into English for a wider readership, which might include employers and colleagues, potential customers and clients, tourists, those in cultural industries, and others with an interest in China and Chinese culture generally. The module will also enhance students' understanding of the Chinese language in a range of genres, including some not encountered in other modules, and increase awareness of cross-cultural differences and how to negotiate them. Students taking the Translation Final Year Project may also find this module a useful supplement, and for those looking to explore the possibility of pursuing an MA in translation and a career in translation/career where translation will play an important role, this module will offer vital experience and a chance to test the waters.

Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students will
1- Have gained a firm grasp of key theoretical and practical concepts in the field of translation studies, in particular as they pertain to Chinese to English translation
2- have gained an understanding of common linguistic features in key text types in Chinese
3- have developed fundamental skills for translating from Chinese to English for specific readerships
4- gained sophisticated awareness of translation processes and basic competence in using machine translation and post-editing
5- developed their ability to critically assess the quality of translations

Skills outcomes
Chinese language comprehension, English writing skills, translation competence (i.e. transfer competence)

Syllabus

This module will introduce students to the theory and practice of translation and involve translating a wide variety of authentic Chinese texts for specific audiences which may include literary, journalistic, business-related texts and other genres. Some translations will be conducted in groups, which will provide students with the chance to work collaboratively with their peers. Where possible this collaboration may also involve collaborative online international learning activities with students at institutions in other countries. Additionally, students will also develop an awareness of the implications of machine translation (MT) and develop basic competence in post-editing. Class times will include a blend of focussed, short lectures on specific topics, seminar-style discussions, and work in small groups. In most cases students will be required to prepare a translation before the class and these translations will be discussed in class alongside activities designed to encourage research, analysis of the original Chinese text, and consideration of the target readers' needs in light of the purpose of the translation. Some accompanying reading of relevant academic works and discussions of the implications thereof will also be involved.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	6	2.00	12.00
Seminar	15	2.00	30.00
Tutorial	1	0.50	0.50
Private study hours			157.50
Total Contact hours			42.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students will need to spend time preparing translations before class (59hours 30mins), attending one-to-one translation consultation with module tutor (30mins), reading related materials (38 hours), and researching and writing their essay (60 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive individual written feedback for one translation each semester (i.e. 2x1 Chinese to English translations); group translations will also receive written feedback once. Students will also be required to attend a 15min individual translation consultation each semester (i.e. 2x15min individual consultation)

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	3,000	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Unseen exam	2 hr	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

The exam will be a 2-hour translation exam in a computer cluster (e.g. ERIC) under exam conditions. Students will be able to use translation tools and dictionaries etc and their activity would be monitored (e.g. from the tutor PC).

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:39:01

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