Localisation

Code:

MTSL044

Acronym:

LOC

Instance: 2016/2017 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	web.letras.up.pt/egalvao
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	12	MTSL - Study Plan	2	-	3	2

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The main objectives of this class are:

- familiarize students with the lcoalization industry, its processes and products;

- reflect critically on the role of translation in software, game and website localization;

- learn how to use the main functionalities of localization software.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students who successfully complete this class must be able to:

• identify technical and linguistic problems in localization projects and propose methods to correct them.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1 – Evolution of language theory and the language industry

• Agents in the language industry
• Fundamental concepts of computer assisted translation (CAT)
• Development of CAT technologies
• Main features and evolution of the concept of localization

2 - Computer Assisted Translation

• Organizing information in Excel
• CAT tools: potentials and limitations
• Software localization tools

- Exercises with different tools

- Computer-assisted project management

3 – Localization: Problems and solutions

- Engineering and language: conflicts and complementarities

- Different types of localization projects:

•   Localization of software applications
•   Localization of Websites
•   Localization if videogames

4 – Life cycle of technology, products and texts

- The complex management of a localization project

- Interaction between agents of a localization project

- Approaches to the issue of quality

- Technical and linguistic bugs in a localization project

Mandatory literature

Esselink, Bert; A Practical Guide to Localization, Amsterdam and Philadephia: John Benjamins, 2000
O'Hagan, Minako and Carmen Mangiron; Game Localization. Translating for the global digital entertainment industry., AmAmsterdam and Philadephia: John Benjamins Publishing., 2013
Pym, Anthony; The moving text. Localization, Translation and Distribution, Amsterdam and Philadephia: John Benjamins Publishing., 2004
Pym, Anthony, Alexander Perekrestenko & Bram Starink; Translation and Technology and its Teaching, , Tarragona, Spain: Intercultural Studies Group, 2006

Teaching methods and learning activities

Classes are predominantly practical and discussions are aimed at making students reflect critically on what they have learnt. The specific theme of each class is dealt with within the larger scope of the syllabus.  In every class students carry out a practical exercise, either individually or in groups. These exercises are then analysed during tutorial sessions, and the conclusions drawn prepare students for the following theme.

Students work on a sequence of gradually more complex tasks which require the use of gradually more complex tools. They start by carrying out localization projects with Excel, then move to CAT tools and finally to SDL Passolo 2014, with which they manage software localization projects and translate the relevant strings. Towards the end of the semester, students learn how to deal with web and videogame localization. 

Software

Passolo, Excel, SDL TRADOS 2014

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	0,00
Teste	50,00
Trabalho escrito	50,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	13,00
Frequência das aulas	28,00
Trabalho de investigação	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Total:	81,00

Eligibility for exams

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

Calculation formula of final grade

Assessment is based on:

a theoretical practical test (50%)

a research essay on a topic related to the localization industry (50%).

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

To be agreed upon with the teacher, according to 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