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FutureLearn

Working with Translation: Theory and Practice

Cardiff University via FutureLearn

Overview

Explore what it means to communicate in multiple languages.

Translation is one of the most fundamental of human activities, allowing us to interact with one another within and across cultures.

Drawing on the research and expertise of specialists at Cardiff University and the University of Namibia, on this course, you will discover a wealth of practical tips and knowledge about the nature of translation in an increasingly multilingual world.

You will explore translation in a global context, and observe translation in healthcare and the justice system as well as in music, manga, video games and historical romances. You may even discover your own ‘inner translator’ in the process!

This course is for anyone interested in language and translation.

Syllabus

  • What is translation?
    • What is Translation?
    • Types of Translation
    • Summary
  • Who translates?
    • Who Translates?
    • The Translation Profession
    • Translators and Translation Users
    • Beyond the Profession: Bilinguals and Multilinguals as Translators
    • Who translates? Summary
  • Where does translation take place?
    • Where does translation take place?
    • Translation between and within locations
    • Case Studies
    • Physical spaces and translation
  • What is a good translation?
    • Theoretical approaches to quality
    • Industry approaches to quality
    • Quality in specialised translation
    • Quality in literary translation
    • Quality in professional interpreting
    • Working with translation and interpreting. Course summary

Taught by

Dorota Goluch, Cristina Marinetti and Loredana Polezzi

Reviews

4.8 rating, based on 152 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Working with Translation: Theory and Practice

  • Anonymous
    This course carries with it a wealth of information about the topic of translation and interpretation and how we interact with and use them in our lives. It addresses difficulties, provides case studies, poses critical thinking questions, and offers…
  • Anonymous
    A very stimulating and engaging course. I really enjoyed how much it encouraged reflection and the breadth of topics covered was impressive without feeling rushed or shallow. It was nice to have a combination of video and articles in order to vary the way information was presented. Perhaps other audio discussions in podcast form could be another way to vary this even further.
    It was good to have quizzes and, if anything, I would have liked to have more of this aspect to really check understanding of the materials presented. The assignments were enjoyably varied and I appreciated being asked to actively respond to the briefs provided.
  • Useful either as CPD or to consider new viewpoints, well presented and logically built into this four-week MOOC. Would also be suitable for newbies. Thank you!
  • Anonymous
    Clear and useful, it offers a wide range of information from videos, text, links and a simple interface to use to learn a topic from the beggining. The transcription section of every video works as a extra tool if you cannot listen something properly. The help at the comment section, the support on every stage of the course brings you a more comfortable experience when working with the page, with the course.
  • Anonymous
    The course has been transformative! I'm on the path to becoming a translator, so I appreciated the comprehensive theoretical foundation, the discussions, and the numerous real-life examples that helped me understand common challenges in this field. The course has motivated me to continue my studies, notably with a significant improvement in my translation accuracy and confidence.
  • Anonymous
    Very helpful and interesting course as an introduction to the world of translation and interpreting. It's as varied as insightful, and many real-life case studies are presented for students to reflect upon. I recommend it to anyone looking for an introduction to the profession.
  • Profile image for Ivan Petryshyn
    Ivan Petryshyn
    The course is very entertaining. Not boring or too academic.
    It summarizes and emphasizes the most essential rules, norms and best practices known to the Interpreters/Translators.
    It can serve as a good introductory general course for the students of Translation Departments with Italian as a major.

    A nice course! Un corso bellisssimo! Grazie! Thank you! Diakuyu! IIP
  • Anonymous
    Very well structured with fabulous examples and not too much of a focus on one particular language (except maybe Welsh, but that is understandable.)
  • Profile image for Ivan Petryshyn
    Ivan Petryshyn
    That's a very nice introductory course for Translators or students of Translation Departments.
    Nice examples, quizes, interesting reviews, videos, etc.
    I would assign it to all, who are involved in translation.
    Thank you. Ivan Petryshyn
  • Profile image for Jagoda M
    Jagoda M
    This course is quite interesting and offers many case studies that relate to the topics discussed, to allow you to more fully engage with the content, but the actual content about translation, such as 'who translates?', 'where does translation take…
  • Anonymous
    Can't believe this course is free...there are so much information shared and some really helpful activities. I would highly recommend this course!
  • Natalia Thomas
    I found that the course is not bad and some thing I learned for the first time. nevertheless, I expected the assignments more difficult and more interesting. I am also surprised that the tutors in Cardiff University have accents. That inspired me, as I live in Wales and every Welsh person immediately recognises my accent, which makes me very embarrassed. Now after this course I would be proud of my accent! Thank you very much!
  • Anonymous
    I'm glad I enrolled on this translation course. The reading materials, exercises, structure, videos and general organisation of the course are extraordinary. I'm learning a lot and I'm also amazed by the quality of it all. I would highly recommend the course to all those students interested in translation studies.
  • Profile image for Nikoletta Georgieva
    Nikoletta Georgieva
    I found the course very enlightening, interesting and useful. It is not intended to turn you into a specialist in the field of translation, but it sure broadens one's horizons and provides a lot of insight into the different aspects of translation,…
  • Anonymous
    This is a complete course to have an overall idea about what working with translation means.
    I currently work as a freelance translator, but this course help me to understand more about this job and also about interpretation.
  • Anonymous
    The course is easy to follow; the contents of every module are very rich in information, details and examples; the professors and interviwees are calm and talk in a pace that I could understand clearly; it´s great to have a space to share our ideas and ask questions; the assignments during the course helped to have a deeper understanding and engagement with the subjects taught.
    Overall, I would say this course is exelent!
  • Anonymous
    I have really enjoyed taking this course! I have found it truly insightful and interesting, the information provided in the videos and articles is extremely relevant and I feel I have learnt so much related to the theory and practice of translation…
  • Anonymous
    I absolutely loved this course. I found it very useful and it gave me so much new information about the process of translating and interpreting I was not aware of. I found the division of the course very appropriate and clear and the explanations…
  • Anonymous
    When i started this course I was expecting to learn the just basics but I got surprised in a good way.
    For a short course, it is very rich in informations about translation and interpreting.
    I am very satisfied with this course.
  • Anonymous
    A truly informative Course with practical tips for those who are acquiring Translation/Interpreting skills or who are Translators/Interpreters. Highly recommended! [Jody M. Foster]

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