2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5210M Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation

15 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Callum Walker
Email: C.M.Walker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module allows students to develop practical expertise in computer-assisted translation by engaging with a variety of computer-assisted translation tools and applications and participating in a cross-programme formative team project. You will learn the essential technology and skills required for the language service industry, including terminology management, translation of documentation and content in a variety of file formats, machine translation post-editing and project management.

Objectives

The teaching is focused on the following goals:
1. understanding the appropriate use of translation, terminology, translation memory and project management features of CAT tools
2. building a theoretical and practical foundation of translation technology and current professional practices in the language service industry
3. culminating professional competences in a group translation project

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Use, in a professional context, a variety of different computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools to manage terminology, translate documentation of various types, and manage projects;
2. Describe critically the state of the art in computer-assisted translation (CAT) and evaluate the relative merits of different tools;
3. Implement industry-standard translation project workflows and processes, and participate in and/or coordinate multilingual translation projects;
4. Locate and exploit translation resources available on the Internet;
5. Understand how to design and evaluate professionally-oriented documentation such as offers of services, quotations, and invoices, and understand how translation projects are priced on the market.

Skills Learning Outcomes

1. Translation, editing and post-editing of content using CAT tools;
2. Practical management of multilingual translation projects;
3. Researching and sharing advanced functionalities of CAT tools;
4. Researching rates and profit margins, and quoting and invoicing for multilingual translation projects.

Syllabus

In this module, you will engage in translation, editing and post-editing of various content types using a number of specialised computer-assisted translation tools. The module is aimed at developing fundamental practical expertise in the use of these industry-standard tools and offers a variety of forums and exercises in which to apply and practice the skills developed over the module.

Classes will take the form of short demonstrations and discussions of key software features, accompanied by dedicated practical tasks to practice the use of relevant software to aid the translation process. Students will learn how to set up projects, customise assistive tools, set up and manage resources such as translation memories and termbases, use and understand appropriate use of machine translation, and undertake various stages of quality assurance.

You will also be exposed to scenarios intended to mimic real-world professional situations, including taking part in a large-scale simulated translation project as either a vendor or project manager, offering an opportunities to develop skills in preparing relevant professional documentation and in understanding pricing and negotiation strategies in a professional context.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	4	2.00	8.00
Lectures	4	1.00	4.00
seminars	4	1.00	4.00
Practical	8	2.00	16.00
Independent online learning hours			63.00
Private study hours			55.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- In-class weekly exercises focusing on CAT tool workflows, processes, and technical details, allowing for personalised feedback on in-class activities;
- Continuous interaction through the module virtual learning environment area, including blogs and - In-class weekly exercises focusing on CAT tool workflows, processes, and technical details, allowing for personalised feedback on in-class activities;
- Continuous interaction through the module virtual learning environment area, including blogs and discussion board entries, allowing for tutor-led and peer feedback;- One team project with group feedback from project clients and project managers (including feedback on a final project presentation) on linguistic deliverables (translations, revisions, translation memories, termbases, etc.) and professional documentation (quotations, invoices, email communications, etc.)

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Case study	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resits will assume the same format.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/09/2024

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