Unit information: Computer-Aided Translation in 2016/17

Unit name	Computer-Aided Translation
Unit code	MODLM2016
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Carol O'Sullivan
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Modern Languages
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Students will acquire an understanding of and familiarity with translation software applications and develop a practical competence in the range of functionalities offered. They will use a range of translations (their own and/or already existing texts) in order to build up a bank (data-base) of materials. This will form the basis of a critical evaluation of the software, requiring analysis of its strengths and limitations in relation to different translation contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate a practical knowledge of a basic translation software package and an understanding of different translation software applications currently used in the translation industry
2. assess and critically evaluate the strengths and weakness of computer-assisted translation in a range of different contexts within the translation industry
3. reflect critically on the impact of computer applications on the role of the professional translator.

Teaching Information

Delivered through distance learning, via Blackboard. A series of practical tasks (introduced and supported by the tutor) will enable the student to learn to use a basic translation software package. Students will seek appropriate translation materials to build up a terminology bank and translation memory and discuss the strengths and weaknesses through a series of discussion forums. They will also be required to research the use of computer-assisted tools in the translation industry and reflect critically on the impact they have on the role of the translator.

Assessment Information

The student will be required to present a reflective log (3,500 – 4,000 words) based on the creation of a terminology bank and corpus of texts. They will evaluate their experience and the impact of computer-assisted translation on the role of the translator in different contexts within the translation industry.

Reading and References

• Lynn Bowker, Computer-Assisted Translation Technology: A Practical Introduction (University of Ottowa, 2002)
• Proceedings of 6th Portsmouth Translation Conference: ""Translation Technologies and Culture"" (University of Portsmouth, 2006)
• Harold Somers, ed., Computers and Translation: A Translator's Guide (John Benjamins, Amsterdam, 2003).
• W.J. Hutchins, Machine Translation, in Encyclopaedia of Literary Translation into English, ed. Olive Classe (London: Fitzroy Dearborne, 2000)