Information Technology for Translation

Code:

MTSL012

Acronym:

ITRA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Informatics

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Germanic 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
MTSL	29	MTSL - Study Plan	1	-	6	60	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

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: 

• reflect critically on the role of technology in translation theory and the translation industry;
• evaluate the utility of several tools from different domains to the translator;
• make the best use of the multiple resources for translators and language service providers on Web search engines and online resources;
• use the main functionalities of both commercial and free downloadable Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools;
• create terminological databases and translation memories (by translating or by aligning originals and previously translated files);
• set up and manage a translation project;
• identify the main features of subtitle edition tools.

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

- Overview on the translator's role the translation profession;

- Utility of other domains' tools for the translator;

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

- Management of corpora and other textual resources for professional translators;

- 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.);

- Resources available for managing translation projects;

- Overview of available tools for subtitling projects;

- The present and the future of Computed Assisted Translation tools.

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

Memo Q
Subtitle Workshop
Demonstração de diversas ferramentas (online e offline) da indústria da tradução e de outros domínios
MS Word
SDL Trados Studio
SDL Multiterm
MS Excel

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 topic related with the informatic tools and resources (either covered in class or chosen by the student) (20%)
• an oral presentation in 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: Portuguese.