Community Translation Principles and Practice

What previous knowledge/experience/skills is required?
This course is for students who are members of linguistic minority communities and who are fluent in a community Language. Participants should also have level 2 Reading and Writing skills in English. A knowledge of public services in the UK is essential as is competence in the use of IT and the internet.

What you can do next, after this course
More advanced translation or interpreting courses. Paid work. Please ask for advice.

Course Content
The course includes issues and skills involved in translating documents and information about public services in the UK. Translations are from English in to community languages.

The course is accredited through OCNLR and offers up to 9 credits at levels 2 and 3.

80% attendance is a requirement of the course.

What materials you will need for the course and estimated cost
A4 file, paper, pen. English dictionary, bilingual dictionary, monolingual target language dictionary, grammar reference (optional).

What you should be able to do by the end of the course
Demonstrate an understanding of the system of public services. Locate relevant sources of information re public services. Compile bilingual term banks. Research Public Services terminology using a variety of methods. Understand the nature of texts, their intended readership and be aware of cultural considerations to be taken into account in the transfer of the texts. Translate public service texts accurately. Meet deadlines. Lay out and present translated texts appropriately.

The teaching and learning methods we use on the course
The course is 'blended' - using a mix of in class attendance and online work done from home.

The in class element is taught using lecture, whole class, group and pair work. Students will do regular exercises in language groups and will have two sessions with a language assessor in their own language. Homework is set each week, which will be marked by a language tutor, or the course tutor, and returned by the following week. Students are expected to meet all deadlines.

How we assess your progress on the course
Regular homework is marked by language tutors and tutor records kept. There is a final exam which is marked by a language assessor. A portfolio of work will be presented to OCNLR for accreditation.

What extra study/practice we expect you to do outside the class
This course is a demanding professional training course which involves substantial study outside the taught course hours.The pace at which students work will vary but many take as much as an additional 10-15 hours per week study to prepare the translation work for assessment.