Information Technology for Translation

Code:

MTSL012

Acronym:

ITRA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Informatics

Instance: 2022/2023 - 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	31	Study plan	1	-	6	41	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 word processors, search engines or Computed Assisted Translation tools (CAT-Tools).

Learning outcomes and competences

• Students who successfully complete this class should be able 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 professional translator;
  
  
  • make use of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel as useful resources for the professional translator;
  
  
  • explore search engines and online resources as useful tools for the professional translator;
  
  
  • select the appropriate tools and features for the specific needs of a given file;
  
  
  • make use of the main functionalities of both commercial and free Computer Assisted Translation tools (CAT-Tools);
  
  
  • understand the basic mechanics of the CAT-Tools, so as to being able to easily adapt to new CAT-Tools on the future;
  
  
  • create translation memories (by translating or by aligning originals and previously translated files);
  
  
  • make use of quality assurance resources as a way to both speed and improve the quality of a translation;
  
  
  • set up and manage a translation project;
  
  
  • identify the main features of tools mainly directed for different language services (tools for terminology management, project management, localization, quality assurance, machine translation, subtitling, voice recognition, writing improvement, etc.);
  
  
  • see translation as a profession with a strong social component, which requires skills to work in a team, to communicate and to manage time, instructions, emotions and (both human and material) resources.
  
  
  
  

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, technology for translation and the translation industry;

– Utility of other domains' tools for the translator;

– Usage of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel by the professional translator;

– Google resources and research techniques on the Internet as a way to solve issues on terminology, grammar, style, etc.;

– Computer Assisted Translation tools (CAT-Tools): main features and differences; potentials and limitations; consequences of their use (for translators and for translation as service, process and product);

– SDL Trados Studio and MemoQ (licences available for all students); demo versions of other CAT-Tools;

– The present and the future of Computed Assisted Translation tools;

– Software available for other language services (tools for terminology management, project management, localization, quality assurance, machine translation, subtitling, voice recognition, writing improvement, etc.).

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

Complementary Bibliography

Somers, H. (Ed.); Computers 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.

Each class combines an expositive component (about how to use the software tools and resources, as well as theoretical issues related to the usage of the information technology on translation tasks) with a practical component (where the concepts debated on the expositive component of the class are put into practice).

Throughout the semester, there will be tutorials on the written projects.

Two/three classes will be used to the oral presentations of the students. These classes will cover the subjects the students choose, so it will be possible to customize a part of the course to the students' specific interests and needs.

Software

Apresentação das principais características e finalidades de ferramentas destinadas a outros tipos de serviços de linguísticos/de tradução (ferramentas de gestão terminológica, gestão de projetos, localização, garantia de qualidade, tradução automática, legendagem, reconhecimento de voz, correção de escrita, etc.)
Utilização dos recursos da Google na ótica do tradutor profissional
Análise das principais funcionalidades do Microsoft Word e Microsoft Excel na ótica do tradutor profissional
Avaliação da utilidade, para o tradutor profissional, de diversas aplicações e recursos informáticos não concebidas especificamente para a realização de trabalhos de tradução/linguísticos
Memo Q
SDL Trados Studio
Memsource
Realização de exercícios em várias outras ferramentas online de apoio à tradução (MemSource Cloud, Google Translator Toolkit, Wordfast Anywhere, MateCat, Smartcat, Text United, etc.)

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	15,00
Teste	60,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
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/ repeat the assessment will have to repeat some of the written assessment components.

Observations

Language of instruction: Portuguese.