Translation competence and skills

TL;DR

This talk explores the concept of translation skills and competences, their historical development, and their application in translator training and education.

Transcript

this is a talk about translation skills and  competences sometimes called competencies   but here i'm not making any  real distinction between the two this fits into our subject in the following  way in an ideal world you're going to   train some translators or train people in  translation skills you sort out your needs   as we've seen from those n... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎓 Translation skills and competences are crucial for translator training and education.
• 🥡 Different models of translation competence have emerged, incorporating various components and taking into account the evolving nature of the profession.
• 🎰 Technology, such as machine translation, is reshaping the translation landscape, requiring translators to focus on non-routine cognitive skills.
• 🧑‍🏫 Translation competences can be taught and developed through training programs that emphasize language skills, subject knowledge, and professional abilities.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between translation skills and competences?

In the context of translation, skills refer to the ability to carry out tasks with determined results, while competences encompass skills, knowledge, and personal/social/methodological abilities. Skills can be codified and mapped onto a progression, while competences are more holistic and require a broader range of qualities.

Q: How do translation competences relate to translator training?

Translation competences form the foundation of translator training programs. They help define learning objectives and outcomes, which are then incorporated into courses, syllabi, and lesson plans. Competences provide a framework for training individuals in the necessary skills and knowledge required for successful translation.

Q: How has the concept of translation competence evolved over time?

Over the years, the concept of translation competence has expanded to incorporate additional components. Initially focusing on language skills, it has grown to include subject competence, transfer competence, textual competence, professional skills, personal attributes, and aptitudes. The models have become more complex and comprehensive, reflecting the diverse range of skills and knowledge needed by translators.

Q: How do translation competences address the challenges posed by machine translation?

Translation competences can help identify the skills that are resistant to automation. While machines excel at routine tasks, translators can focus on non-routine cognitive skills that require decision-making, adaptation, and linguistic expertise. By emphasizing these automation-resistant skills, translators can adapt to the changes brought by machine translation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Translation skills and competences are essential for translator training and education.

• Competence theory in education distinguishes between skills, knowledge, and personal/social/methodological abilities.

• Different models of translation competence have evolved over time, incorporating various components such as language skills, subject knowledge, and professional abilities.