This unit describes the skills required to translate general purpose texts from another language (LOTE) to English. It identifies the skills needed to convey the purpose and use of the source information in functionally equivalent translated texts for a limited and known audience.

This unit applies to those working as translators of general purpose texts. General purpose texts are those intended to convey information to a limited and known audience. The text is written in plain language, and the language and concepts expressed are accessible to the general public. There are limited equivalence problems between source and target text and limited requirement for research on the subject beyond client resources.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and industry codes and standards for ethical translating and interpreting adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently using a range of support resources as required, while performing complex tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least two occasions.

using techniques to produce a functionally equivalent translation that is accurate and appropriate for the context, target audience and end use, including:

adaptation

contrastive analysis of meaning and language

equivalence at the level of discourse, pragmatics, syntax and word

grammatical function transposition

localisation

text manipulation to clarify meaning

applying sound subject and context knowledge of the material being translated

using relevant source language and research skills and the ability to critically apply resources, including glossaries, style guides and reference material

using consistent register and style appropriate to end use

using correct and idiomatic collocation, lexis and syntax

using current and consistent vocabulary, including foreign loan words

ensuring factual correctness, including at the level of tense, gender and singular or plural plain language

using target language punctuation and paragraphing

using spelling appropriate to audience

using textual devices that create cohesion and coherence, including cohesive markers and substitution devices

checking and correcting content and formatting of translated text for consistency and accuracy

using word processing and document management technology

meeting time and contractual requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

purpose and implications of translation, including types of translation defined in international standards

translating theories and techniques relevant to assignments, including principles of:

formal and dynamic translation

literal and free translation

form based and meaning-based translation

direct and oblique translation

equivalence and functional equivalence

Assessment of this unit of competency must include use of translation source and target texts, examples of research and glossaries, assignment experiences and examples of interactions with colleagues and clients that demonstrate diverse skills and strategies for translating general purpose texts from LOTE to English.

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the Companion Volumes.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.

Translating and interpreting