2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5019M Introduction to Legal Translation

15 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Hanem El-Farahaty
Email: h.el-farahaty@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module combines theory and practice through allowing students to translate different text types, determine the translation strategies and techniques for translating between asymmetric legal systems. By giving students an opportunity to develop a specialized area of translation expertise, this module will be useful for those wishing to go on to work as professional legal translators. It will also help the students develop their research skills through writing a report and critically comment on their translation.

Objectives

This module enables students to build an in-depth understanding of the theoretical background and common challenges of legal translation. They will build a clear understanding of the main linguistic and stylistic features of English legal texts and figure out the complexity and difficulty of translating these texts into their own language (s). Bearing in mind linguistic, cultural differences as well as asymmetric legal systems and in light of the institutional guidelines, the function of the text, the readership/audience, and the medium of publication/delivery, the students will decide what appropriate translation strategies and techniques for translating these texts. By so doing, students will develop ability to work in in professional settings, enhance their decision-making, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. So the focus will be on translation challenges and techniques of dealing with them as well as on software and tools/resources available to assist in the decision-making.

Learning outcomes
1) study the theoretical underpinnings of legal translation and;
2) identify the linguistic and stylistic features of different English legal texts;
3) identify the difficult linguistic, culture-specific and system-bound areas of legal translation;
4) determine the strategies and techniques for the translation of these areas;
5) analyse parallel legal texts (between English and other languages) and critically comment on the strategies of translating them

Skills outcomes
Analytical skills
Critical thinking
Research skills
Professionalism
Time Management

Syllabus

The following are indicative topics that will be covered in this module:

Theoretical background of legal translation;
Legal text types and features of English legal texts;
Common difficulties of legal translation with specific reference to English legal texts;
Context, translation brief, institutional/client guidelines, purpose of translation and strategies/techniques of legal translation;
Translation of leases, certificates, wills and deeds;
Translation of contracts and statutes;
Translation of judicial texts

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	2	2.00	4.00
Seminar	8	2.00	16.00
Private study hours			130.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

The time for private study and independent learning covers independent reading (70 hrs), preparation of translations to be discussed in class (20 hrs) and working on two translation assignments (40 hrs).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

• Translation assignments
• Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
• Student questionnaires/surveys
• Personal tutee appointments
• Office hours

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	1,800 - 2,000 word report and reflective commentary	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

One formative assessment to be released at the beginning of the semester and submitted midway through the module for feedback.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:42:36

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