Course Title: Context and Practice of Translation 1A (English into LOTE) Arabic

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2011

Course Code: LANG5401

Course Title: Context and Practice of Translation 1A (English into LOTE) Arabic

School: 365T Global Studies, Soc Sci & Plng

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6067 - Advanced Diploma of Translating and Interpreting

Course Contact : Miranda Lai

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 992523523

Course Contact Email:miranda.lai@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Mr. Abdallatif Almatrah  abdallatif.almatrah@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Course Description

This course aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge in written transfer, the primary competency of the Professional Translator, and the ability to apply relevant theoretical framework and contextual knowledge required of the particular assignment.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VBN927 Context and Practice of Translation 1A (English into LOTE) Arabic


Learning Outcomes


On completion of this module you will be expected to be able to: 

  1. Translate passages that embody a reasonable level of linguistic and conceptual difficulty from English into LOTE, exhibiting appropriate use of transfer skills and achieving acceptable meaning-based renderings. Produce renderings in the Target Language that are appropriate to the context of the text in lexis, idiom, register, collocation, style, etc. 
  2. Examine in depth a range of institutional and professional contexts in which interpreting and translating take place as professional activities, and apply related concepts and vocabulary within more complex translation practice. 
    • Research Australia’s and the LOTE-speaking country’s institutional and professional contexts that arise in a substantial translation text. 
    • Collaborate in developing acceptable equivalences (in English or the LOTE as applicable) for terminology relating to these contexts. 
    • Apply a variety of techniques for translating words and terms that are difficult to transfer due to cultural factors. 
    • Provide a comprehensive rationale for each equivalence. 
  3. Translate passages under formal NAATI conditions.


Details of Learning Activities

In small groups you will develop the skills and knowledge to perform complex translation tasks. In particular, the instruction will aim to assist you to: 

  • Undertake translation tasks from English into the LOTE, involving a range of ancillary skills as incorporated into aspects of textual analysis: context, idiom, collocation, register, stylistics, etc. 
  • Use monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, glossaries, thesauri and other appropriate databases used by professional translators in an appropriate manner. 
  • Compile monolingual and bilingual glossaries and databases in line with Australian and international professional practices. 
  • Develop appropriate translation techniques, such as transference, cultural equivalence, functional equivalence, transposition and ability to evaluate the merits and demerits of such techniques. 
  • Link translation practice to the theoretical frameworks studied in Theoretical Bases of Interpreting & Translating, and to the ethical, professional and role aspects studied in Ethics and Professional Practice of Interpreting & Translating. 
  • Understand and apply the meaning-based approach to translation. 
  • Produce highly accurate translations containing no major errors, particularly those that extend beyond the word / phrase level and lead a student into making subsequent significant errors of cause / effect, etc. 
  • Produce complete translations (no ‘censoring’, summarising or providing extraneous information). 
  • Make appropriate choice of vocabulary, particularly medium- and high-frequency vocabulary. 
  • Ensure correct spelling, punctuation and capitalisation, and where applicable, correct formation of script or ideographs. 
  • Choose appropriate register. 
  • Transfer lines of cohesion (causes and effects, and inter-relationships between elements) and maintain the logical order of the original argument. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in grammar of both languages and general absence of systemic grammar errors that permeate the entire translation (eg in English, consistently choosing inappropriate tenses, singular/plural, articles, etc). 
  • Recognise and understand idioms in the source language and apply appropriate strategies to translate idioms. 
  • Avoid non-idiomatic language, particularly where it would impede understanding of the target text. 
  • Avoid collocational errors, including use of inappropriate collocations from the source language (eg when translating into English, choosing the source-language collocation ‘hard money’ in¬stead of the English word ‘coins’). 
  • Deal proficiently with problems at and above the word level in the source text. 
  • Proofread to eliminate errors such as missed words or phrases. 
  • Use translator’s notes appropriately (i.e. neither under-used nor over-used, and clearly identified as translator’s notes in one of the commonly accepted ways) 
  • Use available resources, including the Internet, to research contextual issues relevant to translation projects.

80 nominal hours consists of:

  • 2 hours x 16 weeks = 32 hours face to face class activity 
  • 2 hours x 16 weeks = 32 hours scheduled guided activitiy offsite, including translation practice and researching and studying various contexual areas
  • 3 hours to prepare and complete Learning Outcome 1
  • 5 horus to prepare and complete Learning Outcome 2
  • 8 hours to prepare and complete Learning Outcome 3  

 


Teaching Schedule

Week number / Week starting Context & Practice of Translating 1A
(English into LOTE)
WEEK 1 / 10-Feb Orientation/Introduction to course
WEEK 2 / 17-Feb Welfare/Social Issues/Education
WEEK 3 / 24-Feb Welfare/Social Issues/Education
WEEK 4 / 3-Mar Health/Medical
WEEK 5 / 10-Mar Health/Medical
WEEK 6 / 17-Mar Immigration
WEEK 7 / 24-Mar Immigration
WEEK 8 / 31-Mar

LO1
Environment /Science & Technology

 WEEK 9 / 7-Apr Environment /Science & Technology
WEEK 10 / 14-Apr Australian & International Issues/Politics/Industrial Relations
Semester Break Semester Break
21 April – 27th April
WEEK 11 / 28-Apr Australian & International Issues/Politics/Industrial Relations
WEEK 12 / 5-May International Issues 
WEEK 13 / 12-May Business/Trade/Finance/Insurance
WEEK 14 / 19-May

Review Practice Exam
Business/Trade/Finance/Insurance

WEEK 15 / 26-May Law
WEEK 16 / 2-June

LO2
Law
(last teaching week)

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Baker, M., In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation, Routledge, London, 1999.


Other Resources

Learning Resources

Learning materials will largely be generated by the teachers involving a range of written materials (from the press, Internet, media and government publications, etc.) as the module is specifically targeted to developing practical translation skills appropriate to NAATI* professional practice.

* NAATI: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters

Blackboard

The Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) is RMIT’s core e-learning tool. It provides a variety of online learning resources and communication tools including:

  • a centralised area to upload and manage course content and practice materials
  • tools creating course content in the Blackboard environment
  • tests (quizzes) and surveys
  • discussion boards and chat rooms
  • assignment submission tools
  • group work spaces


Overview of Assessment

Three Learning Outcome tasks. 


Assessment Tasks

Learning Outcome 1 Translation of 1 passage from English into LOTE done offsite under NAATI exam conditions (25%, to be done in week 8 or otherwise advised by teacher)

This learning outcome is designed for students to demonstrate their contextual knowledge and translation skills under NAATI exam conditions.  Students are to complete 1 translation passage from English into LOTE within one hour 15 minutes offsite and submit it to the teacher for marking and feedback.   

Learning Outcome 2  Quiz on contextual knowledge (25% conducted in week 16 or otherwise advised by teacher) 

This learning outcome is designed to test that students have accessed and studied the contextual resources provided by the course on Blackboard and in other formats.  Contextual knowledge in each topic area specified in the Teaching Schedule reflect the domains which a professional translator might work in.  It is of vital importance that students thoroughly familiarlise themselves with these areas in order to practice as a professional translator in the future.  Students will be informed of the time and procedure to access the quiz either on Blackboard or via another medium otherwise advised by teacher.

Learning Outcome 3 Translation of 2 passages from English into LOTE done onsite under NAATI exam conditions (50%, conducted during the University’s formal examination period immediately following the end of semester)

Students must translate two out of three passages of 250 English words, embodying a reasonable degree of difficulty suitable for testing NAATI Professional Translator.  The exam will be conducted strictly under NAATI exam conditions.  Please refer Essential Program Information Sections 5, 6, & 7 for details.

* NAATI: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters

 Assessment Criteria

To be able to study the higher course (Context and Practice of Translation 2A) in the following semester, you must at least achieve at least 50% overall marks in this course.

In LO3, your translation skills will be assessed by tests that reflect the conditions of NAATI accreditation testing; i.e. the translation of two 250-word passages out of three on two different topics from English into the LOTE, appropriate to practice at the NAATI Professional level. 

To achieve NAATI Accreditation, you must obtain:

  • 35 out of 50 for each passage (min. of 32.5 per passage)
  • 70 out of 100 for both passages (RMIT Distinction grade) with no single passage below 32.5 out of 50

Key assessment areas and reason for deduction of marks: 

1. Accuracy

Significant omissions
Significant mistranslations
Significant unjustified insertions
Failure to complete passage

2. Resources of Language - Comprehension of Original Text

Misunderstanding vocabulary
Misunderstanding grammatical features
Misunderstanding sentence structures

3. Resources of Language - Expression of Translation

Inappropriate / inexaxt wrod choices
Grammatical errors
Inappropriate / awkard sentence structures
Non-idiomatic usage
Spelling errors
Errors of punctuation / capital letters

4. Technique

Translated too literally in some segments
Translated too freely
Excessive and / or incorrect paraphrasing


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES

What do I do if I need help in this course?
You are advised to contact your teacher as soon as any difficulties arise. The Program Coordinator is available for academic advice and support. Once the issue has been identified, the Program coordinator, in consultation with your teacher and yourself, will put in place an individual study plan. This might include supplementary assessment, consultation during the conduct of assessment or granting an extension. Where these measures are inadequate, the Program Coordinator may refer you to University student support services such as student counselling or the Learning Skills Unit.

How can I have my relevant previous study or work/life experience assessed as a way of gaining credit in this course?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) means recognition of competencies currently held, regardless of how, when or where the learning occurred. This includes any combination of formal or informal training and education, work experience or general life experience.
For RPL to be granted, the applicant must provide evidence that he/she:
• has attained the competencies described in the modules that are being claimed
• possesses current competency in the modules that are being claimed, including underpinning skills and knowledge
• has applied the relevant modules in a context that is applicable to this qualification.
Contact the Program Coordinator for further advice about applying for RPL and suitable evidence requirements.

What are my responsibilities in undertaking this course?
All students are expected to attend classes regularly and complete all set learning and assessment tasks. You are encouraged to seek support in relation to any difficulties you may have at the program level via the Program Coordinator. Students are expected to act as professionals in the learning environment, a critical capability expected of graduates in their employment.

Special Consideration
You may apply for Special Consideration by using the RMIT Application Form for Special Consideration, which is available from RMIT website. The application, with relevant documentation, must be lodged with the Student Hub prior to or within 48 hours of the commencement of the assessment task in question. Applications for special consideration are considered by the expert panel convened by the Academic Registrar (or nominee).

Plagiarism
You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism in oral, written or visual presentations is the presentation of the work, idea, or creation of another person, without appropriate referencing as though it is one’s own. Plagiarism is not acceptable. The use of another person’s work or ideas must be acknowledged. Failure to do so may result in charges of academic misconduct, which carry a range of penalties including cancellation of result and exclusion from your course.
You are responsible for ensuring that your work is kept in a secure place. It is also a disciplinary offence for you to allow your work to be plagiarised by another student. You should be aware of all rights and responsibilities regarding the use of copyright material.


COURSE EVALUATION & FEEDBACK

How can I let my teacher know about my experience of this course?
You may discuss this with your teacher at a mutually convenient time. The School distributes confidential course assessment forms at the end of each semester for students to complete. These are analysed and action is taken to remedy defects in teaching or course administration as required. The College also conducts student experience and satisfaction surveys during semester.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview