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  3. Foundations of Translation

Foundations of Translation (TRAN90001)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Students will be introduced to basic principles of translation in this subject, examining key linguistic and cultural aspects of translation between English and Chinese. Through practical translation exercises, students will develop awareness of linguistic and cultural contrasts between the two languages. Translation exercises draw on texts of genres such as journalistic writing, government documents, literary work, through which students will gain basic knowledge and awareness required for translating a range of topics and of a variety of genres, and will develop translation strategies necessary for professional practice.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:



  • have a basic understanding of the theories underpinning the practice of translation
  • have a critical understanding of the cultural and intellectual foundations of the English- and Chinese-speaking worlds have improved their language competence to a native speaker or near-native level in English or Chinese, professionally enhanced by appreciating the complexity of translating between the two languages.

Generic skills

On completion of this subjects, students will have developed the following generic skills:

  • Bilingualism: Translation entails the highest possible degree of written competence in at least two languages, with an acute capacity for metalinguistic awareness, and a preparedness to continually improve.
  • Intercultural understanding: Translation requires the practitioner to be deeply engaged with two cultures and to understand how to mediate between them on behalf of people who do not share both cultures.
  • Decision making: Translators are creative decision makers who need to draw on multiple sources of data to form judgments that are seldom clear-cut, and who are prepared to defend their decisions and to revise them when necessary.

Last updated: 3 November 2022