SPANISH 3020W
January 2015
Translation
¡Bienvenidos al mundo of Translation! The course will meet in FASS 2170 on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 10.05 to 11.25am.
To translate means “to give the sense of word, speech, etc. in another language”
(Pocket Oxford Dictionary). That is what we will seek to carry out during this term--in a
pragmatic, hands-on format. This course is not a theoretical course on the philosophy of
translation, although we will touch upon this. Nor is it a course in interpretation (using the
spoken word). Instead it is designed as a means of allowing students--with a minimum of 2nd.
year Spanish completed--to “fine tune” their knowledge of Spanish (and English) through
working on a series of translations into English.
We will do this by presenting a variety of types of material to be translated. Emphasis
will be placed throughout the course on the need to go beyond a merely correct grammatical
translation, concentrating on “pitching” it in an appropriate fashion to the target culture.
Feeling the language, getting the sense of it, “massaging” it, letting it roll over you,
understanding the background context (research is usually needed!) and then seeking how best to
express that feeling in an appropriate English format, is what we seek to do. (Sometimes this can
be done easily--but sometimes there just is no really good equivalent). In any event, thinking
“outside the box” is crucially important--and literal translations are the last thing that we will
seek to encourage). You will thus need to be far more than just excellent speakers of
Spanish (or have good grades in grammar courses), since you will also require research
skills (for pertinent background reading) and, above all, a good ability in creative writing
in English. This may prove difficult for anybody who is not skilled in writing in English in
a variety of modes. A knowledge of Spanish is thus just half the skills needed.
Remember that translation is as much an art as it is a science. Student translations
will therefore be graded not upon the individual “word for word” translation (however
correct that may be), but rather upon overall ability to present the piece in a culturally
appropriate format within the target language. Again, being a good creative writer
(translating examples from journalism to poetry, documents to advertisements) in an
appropriate English equivalent is just as important as knowing Spanish grammar well.
This needs to be emphasized, since at times students who have done well in other Spanish
language courses are disappointed when they are faced with Translation exercises. You need to
rise (way!) above the literal translation, and consider how best to present it in the target
language–not an easy task. So be prepared.... This is not as easy as is commonly thought, since
you will have to translate in several formats, including journalism, advertising, literature,
and technical material (e.g. certificates, legal documents, engineering).
The course will follow a spiral approach, beginning with easier material, and then passing
to more difficult passages.
There is no official text book. Instead we will use a variety of handouts provided by the
instructor. The charge for these photocopies--for the term--is just $30, paid to the instructor at
the beginning of term.
The final grade will be based upon the following assignments:
----
two translation exams (mid-term and final) 50%
class participation
20%
three translation assignments
30%
N.B. We will consistently follow a hands-on, team approach in all in-class translation activities.
Nothing will be posted on BBL, and all discussions will take place in class. Active class
participation and attendance are absolute requirements. A “three strikes and you are out”
policy will be followed–with three absences without good cause leading to the class participation
portion being eliminated. (Medical certificates or similar documentation—stating that you were
ill, and not just that you were seen by a physician--will be required if you are absent through
illness). If there are further absences, and in accordance with the Dal. calendar, you will be asked
to leave the course.
A few notes on these assignments:
•
The exams and assignments will be “take-home” work--and you are encouraged to use a
number of dictionaries available in the Reference Room of the Killam Library, as well as
on-line dictionaries.
•
These are to be done by you alone. Plagiarism, or the passing off as your own work that
of somebody else (even good Latino friends!), is simply not acceptable in the class.
According to the Dal Calendar, “it is considered a serious academic offence which may
lead to the assignment of a failing grade, suspension or expulsion from the University”.
Please see the Dal calendar for a detailed explanation of intellectual dishonesty. A note
from the Dean’s office is appropriate: “All students in the class are to read and understand
the policies on plagiarism and academic standing as references in the Undergraduate
Calendar at http://registrar.dal.ca/calendar/ug/UREG#12.
http://ug.cal.dal.ca/UREG.htm#12. Ignorance of such policies is no excuse for violation”.
Plagiarism is defined by Dalhousie as “the submission or presentation of the work of
another as if it were one’s own. Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offence that
may lead to the assignment of a failing grade, suspension or expulsion from the
university”. So, avoid at all costs…
•
Class participation, and not just attending class, is extremely important. Ensure that
you make an effort to participate actively. This should be the easiest 20% of the year–but
it requires you to prepare and bring to class assigned translations. It will be painfully
obvious if you have not prepared the requested work for class–so please pay attention to
requests.
•
Students may request accommodation as a result of barriers related to disability, religious
obligation, or any characteristics protected under Canadian human rights legislation.
Students who require academic accommodation should make their request to the Office
of Student Accessibility and Accommodation (OSAA) prior to, or at the outset of, each
academic term (with the exception of full-year courses). Please see
www.studentaccessibility.dal.ca for more information and to obtain the request for
Accommodation–Form A. Please note that your classroom may contain specialized
accessible furniture and equipment. It is important that these items remain in the
classroom so that students who require their usage will be able to participate in the class.
•
Students with disabilities are encouraged to register as quickly as possible at Student
Accessibility Services if they want to receive academic accommodation. To do so, please
phone 494-2836, email [email protected], drop in at the Mark A. Hill Accessibility Centre,
or visit the website: www.studentaccessibility.dal.ca..
•
If you have any queries, please see me, Dr. John Kirk, during assigned office hours (Tues.
and Thurs, from 9 to 10am and 11.30am to 12.30pm) in Room 3025 of the FASS
(McCain) Building. I can also be reached at 494-3679 and by e-mail (“[email protected]”).
Enjoy the material, push yourselves to come up with “la palabra exacta,” try and imagine
how best to express things in the target culture–and have fun. My role is to help you learn to
become a better translator, to take pride in your work, and to enjoy the challenge of translation:
let me know how I can help.