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Language Acquisition; Translation: Translation Studies

Vak
2010-2011

Admission Requirements

Description

We do not know for sure how long translators have been around. They have probably been in demand ever since the beginning of trade on a large scale. What we do know is that the earliest available evidence of translation activity is a translation of an Egyptian hieroglyphic text into Hittite cuneiform, which goes back to 1270 BC. It is quite probable that this first translator already asked himself the question: what is translation (this is a question that we still have not answered today). And translation theory was born. For a long time, translators have wondered about the best approach to translation. Does one religiously stick to the source text – respecting its grammar and style and convention – and try to render this in the target text? Or does the translator have a large degree of freedom. In other words, does one translate literally or freely, and what then do literally and freely mean? Is translation a skill, something that can be learnt? Or is it an art form, requiring more inspiration that perspiration? What can translation theory teach us – if anything? These are some of the questions that we will explore in this course by turning to a number of canonical texts in translation theory and by trying to apply translation theory to translation practice. Special attention will be given to what translation theory can contribute to legal and literary translation, the two areas of translation in which Leiden specializes.

Course Objectives

  • Knowledge and understanding areas of translation theory that may be of use to the translator of literary texts

  • Ability to assess the value of translation theories and to critically apply these theories to translation problems

Timetable

The timetable will be available from July 1 onwards on the Department website.

Mode of Instruction

One two-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

Class participation; written assignments

Blackboard

This course is supported by Blackboard.

Reading list

Translation Studies reader available on Blackboard.

Registration

Students can register through uSis.

Contact information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks