Information Technology for Translation

Code:

MTSL012

Acronym:

ITRA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Informatics

Instance: 2015/2016 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://web.letras.up.pt/egalvao/
Responsible unit:	Department of Anglo-American Studies
Course/CS Responsible:	Master of Arts in Translation and Language Services

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MEAL	1	Study Plan	1	-	6	60	162
MTSL	26	MTSL - Study Plan	1	-	6	60	162

Teaching language

Inglês e Português

Objectives

The objective of this class is to familiarize students with some of the main software applications they will be using as translators and language service providers, such as CAT tools (both commercial and open access), Translation Memories (TM), Machine Translation systems (MT), and some subtitling software. 

 

Learning outcomes and competences

Students who successfully complete this course must demonstrate the ability to: 

•  use the main functionalities of both commercial and free downloadable Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools;
• create translation memories (by translating or by aligning originals and previously translated files);
• make the best use of the multiple resources for translators and language service providers as well as Machine Translation systems available online;
• produce small terminological databases;
• produce small comparable or parallel corpora;
• set up and manage a translation project from beginning to end (from the analysis and pre-translation phase to invoicing and storing of relevant material);
• reflect critically on the role of technology in translation theory and the translation industry.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Reasonable knowledge of operating systems and main applications.

Language skills.

Ability to work in a group.

Program

- Translation as service and the European Standard for translation service providers (EN 15038);

- The translation market and the translation profession (skills, knowledge, personal characteristics);

- Translation and other language services from the point of view of translation service providers (TSPs) (free lancers, companies, international institutions, agencies);

-Translation and other language services from the clients' point of view (individuals, companies, institutions);

- Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools: main features and differences; potentials and limitations; consequences of their use (for translators and for translation as process and product); stand-alone and add-on CAT tools;

- SDL Trados Studio 2014 and MemoQ (licences available for all students); demo versions of other CAT tools (Wordfast, DejaVu, etc.);

- Machine Translation (history, types, potentials and limitations);

- How to search the Internet to solve problems with terminology, phraseology, style, etc.;

- Corpora and translation.

Mandatory literature

Samuelsson-Brown, Geoffrey; A Practical Guide for Translators (5th Edition), Bristol, Buffalo, Toronto: Multilingual Matters, 2010
Risku, Anna; The Role of Technology in Translation Management in Doubts and Directions in Translation Studies , Amsterdam: Benjamins, 2007
Choudhury, Rahzeb and Brian McConnell; Translation Technology Landscape Report, TAUS BV, De Rijp, The Netherlands. (Feb. 2013)
Cronin, Michael; Translation in the digital age, Abingdon: Routledge, 2012
Daelemans, W., & Hoste, V. (Eds.); Evaluation of translation technology (Vol. 8). , ASP/VUBPRESS/UPA., 2010
Pym, Anthony ; Exploring Translation Theories, Abingdon: Routledge, 2014
Somers, H. (Ed.); CoComputers and Translation: A Translator's Guide (Vol. 35), Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing, 2003

Teaching methods and learning activities

Hands-on approach with a series of exercises and tasks to be carried out individually and in groups in and out of class. 

The first class of the week includes a short lecture on different topics and aspects of information technology for translation and language services, followed by hands-on exercises.

The second class is devoted to practising what was learnt in the first class as well as to tutorial sessions with smaller groups of students (8-10), whose work can be closely monitored.

Software

WinCaps (Demo Version)
SDL TRADOS 2014
Memo Q
Subtitle Workshop
Omega T
Wordfast

keywords

Physical sciences > Computer science > Informatics > Applied informatics

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	0,00
Prova oral	20,00
Teste	60,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	20,00
Estudo autónomo	35,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Trabalho de investigação	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	31,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students are required to attend 75% of classes, unless otherwise agreed.

Calculation formula of final grade

Assessment includes the following components:

two tests covering theoretical aspects of and practical exercises with CAT tools (60%)

a report with critical commentary on a CAT tool (either one covered in class or one chosen by the student) (20%)

a presentation by individuals or pairs on a topic related to translation technology chosen by the students and approved by the teachers (20%)

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

To be agreed upon with the teacher, in accordance with the regulations.

Classification improvement

Students wishing to improve their final grade will have to repeat some of the assessment components.

Observations

Language of instruction: English and Portuguese.