Module manager: Adam Gargani
Email: A.Gargani@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pass in English-Arabic translation test
This module is approved as an Elective
This module explores the theoretical, practical and institutional issues involved in translating for international organisations, with focus on English/Arabic translation. Students will be exposed to a variety of documents used in international organisations and will be trained to assess the challenges involved in translating these documents and identify the strategies needed for producing translated texts that meet the professional code of practice of international organisations.
The main objective of this module is to examine the wide range of translation, writing and editing problems encountered by English/Arabic translators working for international organisations. Focusing on the translation activities practised in different UN bodies, human rights organisations and other international/regional organisations which use Arabic translation as part of their day-to-day activities, this module explores the translation strategies used in dealing with translation problems in different text types. Through a problem-solving approach, the students will be introduced to the lexical, syntactic and stylistic features of text types used in international organisations and will gain a thorough understanding of the dynamics of translating them into Arabic.
On completion of this module, students will have acquired the ability to:
- Understand the institutional contexts within which English/Arabic translation is practised in such organisations as the UN, human rights organisations, among others.
- Understand codes of professional practice in Arabic translation units in international organisations.
- Develop conceptual tools for identifying the different text types used in international organisations.
- Develop conceptual tools for identifying translation problems which are pertinent to each of these text types.
- Develop translation, revision and editing skills of the different text types used in international organisations.
- Reflect critically on their own translation performance, using both their theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Language and translation research skills.
- Skills of assessing translation problems and identifying relevant translation strategies.
- Skills of editing, formatting and submitting documents in a timely manner and according to professional standards.
The syllabus will cover the following topic areas:
1. Arabic translation units in international organisations: the institutional context and professional codes of practice.
2. Language and translation policies in international organisations: using style manuals.
3. Text types used in international organisations.
4. Translation problems and strategies at the lexical, syntactic and stylistic levels.
5. Translating international legal documents: agreements, treaties, etc.
6. Translating reports, protocols and memoranda of understanding.
7. Editing skills for translators working in international organisations
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 130 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
130 hours of private study will be spent on:
- Independent reading of material related to the structure and organisation of International organisations.
- Preparation of translations to be discussed in class.
- Two translation assignments with reflective commentary.
- Translation assignments
- Designated feedback sessions (one per semester)
- Student questionnaires/surveys
- Personal tutee appointments
- Office hours
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay or Dissertation | Assignment 1 - Translating an 800 word text from English into Arabic | 40 |
| Essay or Dissertation | Assignment 2- Translating an 800 word text from English into Arabic and writing a 1000-word reflective commentary on the translation | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 13/09/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team