
Translation Methodology (English-Catalan)
Code: 108369Credits: 3
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Translation and Interpreting | OB | 1 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Ada Arbós Bo
- Email :
- ada.arbos@uab.cat
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Objectives
The general objective of this course is to introduce students to the basic methodology of translation and to enable them to acquire translation-related concepts and metalanguage, as well as specific methodologies for practice and study of this discipline. Translation is presented as a process of comprehension and re-expression.
In the comprehension phase:
- The main ideas of the text are identified rather than focusing on specific words in order not to literal translations
- The context of the words is examined to understand their meaning within the text, clarify unfamiliar expressions, and situate them appropriately within their context
In the expression phase:
- Strategies are used to achieve naturalness and spontaneity in the target language while keeping the target audience in mind
- The importance of the target language and the need to master it in order to translate effectively and develop strong writing skills are emphasised. At this stage, attention is drawn to the need to avoid linguistic interference
The importance of the communicative purpose of translation is emphasised.
Basic aspects of the profession (rights and responsibilities, professional associations, codes of ethics, etc.) are also discussed, as well as ethical considerations (inclusive language, etc.).
Learning outcomes
- CM12 (Translate different types of non-specialised texts by applying linguistic, encyclopaedic, cultural and instrumental knowledge and justifying the criteria and decisions adopted.) Translate different types of non-specialised texts by applying linguistic, encyclopaedic, cultural and instrumental knowledge and justifying the criteria and decisions adopted.
- KM19 (Identify the methodological concepts and principles that govern translation.) Identify the methodological concepts and principles that govern translation.
- KM20 (Identify elements and characteristics of a text that may pose translation problems.) Identify elements and characteristics of a text that may pose translation problems.
- KM22 (Identify the ethical implications of the profession of translation.) Identify the ethical implications of the profession of translation.
- KM23 (Recognise the main actors involved and the essential professional aspects of translation.) Recognise the main actors involved and the essential professional aspects of translation.
- SM24 (Analyse translation problems present in different types of non-specialised texts using the appropriate metalanguage.) Analyse translation problems present in different types of non-specialised texts using the appropriate metalanguage.
Contents
- The state of the art of translation in the English-Catalan language combination: history and current trends
- The communicative purpose of translation
- The stages of the translation process: the comprehension phase and the expression phase
- The human factor as an added value to translation
- The importance of the target language: writing effectively and synthesising information
- The importance of documentation and the critical use of technology
- Translation concepts and metalanguage: equivalence, unity, invariance, method, modality, technique, strategy, problem, error, etc.
- Basic aspects of the profession (types of translators, areas of employment, rights and responsibilities, professional associations, codes of ethics, etc.), as well as ethical considerations (inclusive language, etc.)
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercices and problem solving | 10 | 0.4 | KM19, KM20, KM22, KM23, SM24 |
| Lectures | 3 | 0.12 | KM19, KM20 |
| Traslation assignments | 10 | 0.4 | CM12, KM19, KM20, SM24 |
| Preparation for assessment activities | 26 | 1.04 | CM12, KM19, KM20, KM22, KM23, SM24 |
| Preparation of translations and other assignements | 20 | 0.8 | CM12, SM24 |
To achieve the established objectives, this subject involves both lectures and practical classes. The work students carry out mainly consists of:
- Work on problem-solving techniques for different assignments
- Translation tasks
- Work on problems and difficulties in the different exercises
- Individual/group presentations in class
Students will be instructed on how to prepare exercises, assignments and translations before reviewing them with their fellow students in class.
All translations must be submitted and will not be accepted after the deadlines.
Important:
All activity deadlines are indicated in the subject's schedule and must be strictly adhered to.
- The schedule may vary depending on the work pace and needs of the group.
- The subject’s learning activities and assessment requirements may be changed if the lecturer and most of the students who follow classes regularly agree to do so.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group assingment (2 people) on ethical and professional aspects of translation | 35 % | 2 | 0.08 | KM20, KM22, KM23 |
| Group assignment (4 people) on contrastive elements EN-CA | 35 % | 2 | 0.08 | KM19, KM20, SM24 |
| Translation assignment (individual) | 30 % | 2 | 0.08 | CM12, KM19, KM20, SM24 |
Continuous Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the subject. Students must provide evidence of their progress by completing various tasks and tests. Task and test deadlines will be indicated in the course schedule on the first day of class. The information on assessment activities and their weighting is a guide. The subject lecturer will provide full information when teaching begins.
Review
When publishing final marks prior to recording them on students' transcripts, the lecturer will provide written notification of a date and time for reviewing assessment activities. Students must arrange reviews in agreement with the lecturer.
Missed/failed assessment activities
Students may retake assessment activities they have failed or compensate for any they have missed, provided that those they have actually performed account for a minimum of 66.6% (two thirds) of the final grade for the subject and that they have a weighted average mark of at least 3.5. In case of retaking, the maximum grade will be 5 (Pass).
The lecturer will inform students in writing of the retake procedure involved when publishing final grades prior to recording them on transcripts. The lecturer may set one assignment per failed or missed assessment activity or a single assignment to cover a number of such activities. Under no circumstances may an assessment activity worth 100% of the final mark be retaken or compensated for.
In case of retaking, the maximum grade will be 5 (Pass).
Classification as "not assessable"
In the event that the assessment activities a student has performed account for 25% or less of the final grade for the subject, their work will be classified as "not assessable" on their transcript.
Misconduct in assessment activities
Students who engage in misconduct (plagiarism, copying, personation, etc.) in an assessment activity will receive a mark of “0” for the activity in question. In the case of misconduct in more than one assessment activity, the student involved will be given a final grade of “0” for the subject. Assessment activities in which irregularities have occurred (e.g. plagiarism, copying, impersonation) are excluded from retake.
Use of artificial intelligence
In this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies may or may not be permitted depending on the activity. The permitted and prohibited uses in each case will be detailed in the course introduction. Students must clearly identify which parts were generated using AI technologies, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and the final result of the activity. A lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in graded assignments will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in a partial or total penalty on the assignment grade, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.
Single assessment
This subject may be assessed under the single assessment system in accordance with the terms established in the academic regulations of the UAB and the assessment criteria of the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting.
Students must make an online request within the period established by the faculty and send a copy to the lecturer responsible for the subject, for the record.
Single assessment will be carried out in person on one day during week 16 or 17 of the semester. The Academic Management Office will publish the exact date and time on the faculty website.
On the day of the single assessment, teaching staff will ask the student for identification, which should be presented as a valid identification document with a recent photograph (student card, DNI/NIE or passport).
Single assessment activities
The single assessment will include the following activities: translation assignment (30%), exercise to justify the translation (35%), oral question about the translation process (35%).
Grade revision and retake procedures for the subject are the same as those for continual assessment. See the section above in this Study Guide.
Bibliography
Translation Textbooks
AINAUD, Jordi; ESPUNYA, Anna; PUJOL, Dídac. (2020) Manual de traducció anglès-català. Eumo. Link to AINAUD et al.
COLINA, Sonia. (2026) Fundamentals of Translation.Cambridge University Press.
LOPEZ GUIX, J. Gabriel; MINETT, Jackie. (1997) Manual de traducción inglés español. Gedisa. Link to GUIX and MINETT.
OROZCO, Mariana. (2016) Metodología de la traducción directa del inglés al español. Materiales didácticos para la
traducción general y especializada. Comares. Link to OROZCO.
About Translation
CHESTERMAN, Andrew (2016) Memes of Translation.The spread of ideas in translation theory. Revised edition. Benjamins Translation Library. Link to CHESTERMAN
GANSEL, Mireille (2021). Traduir com transhumar (UDINA, Dolors, trad.). Lleonard Muntaner Editor.Link to GANSEL.
HURTADO ALBIR, Amparo; ALVES, Fabio. Translation as a Cognitive Activity. Theories, Models and Methods for Empirical Research. Routledge, 2025. Link to HURTADO and ALVES.
HURTADO ALBIR, Amparo. Traducción y traductología.Cátedra, 2011. Link to HURTADO.
Software
No specific software is required for this course.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |