Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU50427 Approaches to professional work |
| Credits: 0 |
| Level: Masters |
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Aims: The aim of this unit is to encourage students to focus on some of the practical aspects of working as a professional linguist, in particular their use of English and the importance of background knowledge and research.
Learning Outcomes: Students who have followed the activities contained in the unit should therefore be able to demonstrate an appropriate awareness of these factors in their translation and interpreting activities and be prepared for making the transition from training to professional work. Skills: The emphasis in this unit is on developing: * sophisticated communication skills of the kind required for language work at the professional level, in particular an awareness of register and nuance; * the transferable key skills of written expression, presenting and analysing arguments, background research and self-critique; * a practical knowledge of the translation industry and its operation, in particular the importance of self-presentation and the various routes available into professional work. Content: The content falls into two parts: (a) developing English language skills through translation and (b) the work of the professional linguist. Both will be delivered mainly through visits by practising professionals. Part (a) is designed to raise students' awareness of ways in which English can be manipulated effectively. Sessions will include a variety of workshop-based activities involving pair and small group work and will focus on skills such as accuracy, clarity and flexibility. Depending on students' needs, materials will be selected to illustrate particular aspects of language and structure which are problematic, as well as to provide practice in using English to translate a variety of styles and registers. Part (b) will deal with the background knowledge and awareness of contemporary developments that need to be acquired in order to prepare for professional assignments. The programme will also deal with some of the practicalities of starting work as a translator and/or interpreter and the problems faced by newly qualified translators and interpreters in the early stages of their careers. |