This module is a practical introduction to translation and interpreting skills from and into German, with an opportunity try some subtitling work. We will work on a wide variety of short German and English texts (from poems and business correspondence to manuals, advertising and newspaper clips), reflecting on context, target audience and style, analysing different alternatives, always with the practical aspects of "real life" translation work in mind.
While the main emphasis of this module will be on translation, students will also be introduced to liaison and consecutive conference interpreting, looking at practical issues like body language, professional neutrality, anticipation, note-taking, condensing, diplomacy, problem solving and confident presentation with opportunities to practise these skills in role-play. Students will further be introduced to the principles of subtitling and learn the practical skills to subtitle a short film-clip, using a professional subtitling software.
Learning outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to:
1. refine their writing skills in both languages to a high level in different registers
2. improve awareness and reflect on context, purpose, target audience and style of texts
3. practise commenting succinctly on translation choices
4. extend the skills of listening actively and analytically, memorising sizeable statements, note- taking, predicting the flow of argument, summarising and condensing, formal expression, and facilitating communication effectively in both languages.
5. gain an insight into the principles of subtitling and learn the basics using professional software.
6. practise and expand transferable study skills like independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, problem-solving, team-working, presenting ideas, disciplined time-management, use of electronic media.
While the main emphasis of this module will be on translation, students will also be introduced to liaison and consecutive conference interpreting, looking at practical issues like body language, professional neutrality, anticipation, note-taking, condensing, diplomacy, problem solving and confident presentation with opportunities to practise these skills in role-play. Students will further be introduced to the principles of subtitling and learn the practical skills to subtitle a short film-clip, using a professional subtitling software.
Learning outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to:
1. refine their writing skills in both languages to a high level in different registers
2. improve awareness and reflect on context, purpose, target audience and style of texts
3. practise commenting succinctly on translation choices
4. extend the skills of listening actively and analytically, memorising sizeable statements, note- taking, predicting the flow of argument, summarising and condensing, formal expression, and facilitating communication effectively in both languages.
5. gain an insight into the principles of subtitling and learn the basics using professional software.
6. practise and expand transferable study skills like independent learning, creative and analytical thinking, problem-solving, team-working, presenting ideas, disciplined time-management, use of electronic media.
- Module Supervisor: Claudia Alsdorf