Translation Practice in Science and Technology (English-Portuguese) - 2nd semester
Code
711121059
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Línguas, Culturas e Literaturas Modernas, Secção de Estudos Ingleses e Norte-Americanos
Credits
6
Teacher in charge
Rogério Puga, Susana Valdez
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a)To develop linguistic and terminological proficiency in specialized translation;
b)To develop skills in technical and scientific translation and revision (checking, revision, proofreading and editing);
c)To make oneself acquainted with terminological research techniques; generation and management of terminological resources with the help of specific software (including CAT tools);
d)To develop technical and scientific translation practice;
e)To identify technical and scientific translation problems;
f)To learn and apply troubleshooting strategies;
g)To evaluate the relevance of cultural contexts;
h)To plan and manage translation projects individually and collaboratively.
Prerequisites
English language competence corresponding to level B2.2.
Subject matter
a)Introduction to technical translation;
b)Translation project workflow;
c)Technical and Scientific areas: Ecology, Biology, Law, Medicine and IT;
d)Technical and Scientific translator’s competences;
e)Terminological research and management methodologies and CAT tools;
f)Intensive practice of different specialized subjects and genres;
g)Identification of textual characteristics and specific problems associated with technical and scientific translation;
h)Paratextual analysis of translations;
i)Cultural translation/translation culture, ideology and science.
Bibliography
1. Byrne, Jody (2006). Technical Translation: Usability Strategies for Translating Technical Documentation. The Netherlands: Springer.
2. Byrne, Jody (2012). Scientific and Technical Translation Explained: a Nuts and Bolts Guide for Beginners. Manchester, UK & Northampton, MA: St. Jerome.
3. Wright, Sue Ellen and Leland D. Wright Jr. (1993). Scientific and Technical Translation. Amsterdam/ Philadelphia: John Benjamins.
4. Cavaco-Cruz, Luís (2012). Manual prático e fundamental de tradução técnica. Independence: Arkonte.
5. Hargis, Gretchen (1998). Developing Quality Technical Information: A Handbook for Writers and Editors. New Jersey: Prentice Hall PTR.
6. Chabner, Davi-Ellen (2011). The Language of Medicine. 9th edition. Saint-Louis, Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier.
7. Dawkins, Richard (2009). The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Teaching method
The methodology will be predominantly learner-centred and activity oriented since the main expected outcomes are of a practical nature. The acquisition of skills in these areas of translation will be based on four strategies: the presentation of text samples whose analysis will lead students to make inferences, discuss hypotheses and reach conclusions regarding the features of each text type; the promotion of peer discussion regarding translation choices and strategies; the assignment of translation tasks to be carried out either individually or in pairs; and finally the discussion of the results of each student´s/pair´s work. Lecture will be a strategy used only to convey information or explain terms or concepts that the students cannot understand through experiential learning and reading assignments.
Evaluation method
Students will be evaluated on the basis of their oral participation in classroom activities (10%), weekly or bimonthly writing assignments (30%) and 2 written classroom tests (50%).