PSPTIS614A
Apply theories to translating and interpreting work practices

This unit describes the outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research, analyse and apply a range of approaches to translating and interpreting based on the history, development and progress of relevant theories and their application to work assignment and practice.

Application

The application of translating and interpreting theory is an essential component of interpreting and translating practice in the workplace at a professional level, leading to a vocational outcome in assignments which require justification and critiquing of work undertaken. While the primary purpose of the unit is vocational, it will enhance the opportunities for all practitioners who complete the unit to articulate into higher education as well.

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


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Research the practice and theory of translating and interpreting.

1.1. Analyse the concept of translation and its relevance to the study of translating.

1.2. Research key developments and key influences in the history and theory of translating and interpreting

1.3. Analyse the impact of theory on current translating and interpreting practice.

1.4. Identify key issues in contemporary study and practice of translating and interpreting

2. Identify the role of the translator.

2.1. Analyse the cultural and political agenda of translation.

2.2. Analyse the position and positionality of the translator.

2.3. Identify the influence of the publishing industry on the translator.

2.4. Analyse the impact of the new media, localization and globalisation on translation.

2.5. Identify new directions for translation.

3. Critique translations

3.1. Analyse aspects which have to be translated / interpreted for work assignments

3.2. Determine the relevance and application of particular theories to work assignments

3.3. Classify and explain the procedures adopted to clients, colleagues and agencies

3.4. Analyse and constructively report on procedures, translations and interpretations

Required Skills

Required skills

communication with clients, colleagues and allied professionals including:

classifying and explaining the procedures adopted

providing reports on a translation or interpretation

problem solving including:

determining the relevance and conditions of application of particular theories to a range of work assignments

analysing and reporting on examples of the work of others

analysis of abstract concepts and their application to work requirements

research on relevant principles, theories and studies applicable to analysing and justifying work assignment requirements.

planning work assignments, conditions and client requirements in an efficient and professional manner.

technology used for both research and workplace and assignment conditions.

self management to select and apply relevant theories to specific work assignments

Required knowledge

the range of theories which have influenced translating practice

current translating and interpreting practice

discourse and register analysis

principles of localisation and globalisation

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms the ability to research, analyse and apply a range of approaches to translating and interpreting based on the history, development and progress of relevant theories and their application to practice including:

researching translation theory and its development and influence on current practice

discussing the role of the translator and new directions for translation

analysing aspects which have to be translated / interpreted for a range of specific work assignments

determining the relevance and application of particular theories to work assignments

explaining the relevance of new media in translating and interpreting

classifying, explaining and defending translation procedures, translations and interpretations

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Where possible assessment should be based on demonstrating the application of relevant theories on real examples of work assignments and situations. Where this is not possible, work-like scenarios and examples should be the basis of assessment for a minority of applications.

Assessment should be conducted on evidence from a range of work and client settings, conditions and requirements reflecting the reasonable expectations for a working practitioner.

Assessment should be based not only on knowledge of a range of theories, but on evidence of the applicability of a theory to particular work assignments, and the impact of the theory on the examples of practice.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Concept of translation may include:

the nature of linguistic meaning and equivalence

cross-linguistic differences

Key developments may include:

pre-modernist translation theory

direct translation, oblique translation and transpositions

translation shifts

the science of translating

early translation theory

formal and dynamic equivalence

the principle of equivalent response

semantic and communicative approaches

contemporary theory

functional categories

functional theories

text-type analysis

skopos theory

translatorial action

consecutive interpreting

the effort model

note-taking

the interpreting approach

Key issues may include:

translation quality assessment

text and pragmatic level analysis

semiotic level of context and discourse

criticisms of discourse and register analysis

Principle influences may include:

Prominent practitioners and theoreticians, e.g.

James Holmes

George Steiner

Roman Jakobson

Vinay and Darbelnet

Catford

Nida

Newmark

Gentzler

Buhler

Munday

Reiss

Vermeer

Holtz-Manttari

House

Gile

JF Rozan

Seleskovitch and Lederer

Newmark

Hatim and Mason and the Hallidayan model

Pym

Translator and Interpreter training

Expansion of international for a, e.g.

UN

International tribunals

International criminal courts

International commissions

Contemporary theory may include:

communicative/functional approaches

linguistic approaches

psycho-linguistic/cognitive approaches

polysystems theory

philosophical theories

general translation theory

partial translation theories

Position and positionality may include:

political agendas in international relations

community interpreting

The new media may include:

digital, computerized, networked information and communication technologies

search engines

data bases

distribution platforms

virtual communities

audiovisual

Constructive reporting may include:

checking a translation or interpreting assignment by another practitioner

defending a translation or interpreting assignment called into question in a court or tribunal setting

explaining translating or interpreting decisions

preparing a report on a colleague's work


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Translating and Interpreting.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.