Lecture 1. Course Introduction

Profile of the Program. Course Description. Module Details. Objectives. Methods.

Profile of the Program

“…professional translators are always learning” (Roger Cross)

The Translation Theory and Practice (English-Ukrainian intercultural aspect) Course is designed to provide Applied Linguistics students with knowledge and skills that will enable them to develop expertise in English and its professional use in international contexts. The translation profession is almost as old as the most ancient of languages. As soon as there was interaction beyond one’s immediate community, there was a need for an interpreter and later, in many cases, a translator too. Students will develop skills in translation and gain an understanding of cultural and social aspects of contemporary English-speaking countries. This will prepare them for professional positions at a time when the globalization of English is taking place and enable to work in a professional capacity in a range of fields such as business, technology, tourism, administration, education, medicine, law etc.

Translators and interpreters are facilitators of communication. Their job is to enable people speaking many different languages around the world to interact with one another on equal terms.

During the fourth year of study at the Department of Applied Linguistics at Lviv Polytechnic National University the skill of translation is nurtured and the study of British and American culture and language strengthens students’ general linguistic and cultural skills, knowledge and their ability to engage in cross-cultural communication.

The course in Translation Theory and Practice (English-Ukrainian intercultural aspect) is concerned with both theory and practice. The theory identifies the mental and cognitive processes involved in both oral and written translation: understanding the text, deverbalizing its language, re-expressing sense. For the purposes of translation, languages are a means of transmitting sense. The importance of theoretical knowledge lies in the fact that it helps translators acquire the understanding of how discourse and linguistic choices are made in the process of translation.

The introduction to a range of theories and approaches seeks answers to essential questions: What is the true nature of translation? What is the relationship between language, culture and translation? How has the translator’s role and image has changed over the centuries? The study of the theory will inform the practice of translation.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14