Translating in an Australian Context (TRAN90006)

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should:

• Gain a broadened understanding of fundamental translation and interpreting theory by completing assigned readings, lectures, class discussions, and independent research
• Demonstrate the ability to autonomously improve and adapt professional skills
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the range of techniques used in translation and interpreting
• Gain native speaker competence in English or Chinese and at least near-native competence in the other language
• Demonstrate high level skills at negotiating the cultural and intellectual boundaries of the English and Chinese-speaking worlds
• Demonstrate the ability to use translation and interpreting technologies to enhance productivity.

Generic skills

• Translation and interpreting skills: Students will develop abilities to translate and interpret in a variety of contexts
• Text analysis: Students will command an accurate comprehension of source texts
• Bilingual Competence: Students will develop an enhanced level of competence in both Chinese and English, with an acute capacity for metalinguistic awareness, and a preparedness to continually improve
• Intercultural understanding: Translation and interpreting require 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. Students will develop cross-cultural and cross-linguistic sensitivity
• Decision making: Translators and interpreters are creative decision-makers who need to draw on multiple sources of data to form judgments that are seldom clear-cut. They are prepared to defend their decisions and to revise them when necessary.