Spanish 4984/4124 Spanish Translation: Theory and Technique Fall 2003

Prof. Jacqueline Bixler 301 Major Williams 1-8632 email: jbixler@vt.edu office hours: 12:30-1:45 or by appt. Description: This course is designed to be an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of translation, both from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. The student will learn the fundamentals of translating literary works, letters, legal documents, newspapers, commercial advertisements, and other materials. It is hoped that by the end of the semester, the student will be able to prepare and compare translations of literary and non-literary texts and be able to identify the merits and flaws of each translation. The student will become familiar with various theories of translation and will learn to implement them in his or her own translations. Finally, the student will be able to construct a translation with an intended purpose and/or artistic effect. Prerequisites: 3106 or consent; a strong command of spoken Spanish and English as well as a solid knowledge of Spanish and English grammar. Required texts: Jack Child. Introduction to Spanish Translation Marion Holt. 1001 Pitfalls in Spanish Collins Spanish Dictionary (this is required unless the student already has an equivalent dictionary and I mean equivalent) Photocopies (to be provided by professor) Method of Evaluation: 20% Class attendance and participation; homework 40 Two exams (equally weighted) 30 Final translation project 10 Peer editing of final project Class participation: The bottom line for this portion of the grade will be the percentage of days that the student has attended class. On the basis of this percentage, the grade will then vary depending on how well the student has prepared for class and how much the student has contributed to class discussions and excercises. The language spoken in class will fluctuate between Spanish and English, depending on the object of our discussion or on the direction in which we are translating. Homework and quizzes: Unannounced quizzes may be given to encourage regular attendance (obviously, the number of these will depend on you!). There will be homework for practically every class and it will be turned in at the end of each class. Students must use a different color of ink for corrections made during class. Late homeworks will not be accepted unless prior arrangements

have been made with the professor. Aside from the dictionary that is required for this course, you may also find it necessary at times to visit on-line dictionaries or to visit the reference section of the library, which contains a number of more specialized dictionaries for colloquialisms, idiomatic expressions, commercial language, etc. Exams: There will be two midterms, but no final exam. The use of dictionaries WILL be permitted. No make-up exams will be given unless the professor is notified in advance. Final project: The student must consult with the professor before selecting a final project for translation. A copy of the translation as well as the original text must be provided to the professor and to the assigned peer editor by the required date. Late projects will be docked one full letter grade for each calendar day late. The key to success in this course: Keep in mind that there is always more than one "correct" translation for any expression. In fact, at times it may seem that there are as many possible translations as there are students in the class! Please note: This syllabus is subject to change. Aug 26 28 2 4 9 11 16 18 23 25 30 2 7 9 14 16 21 23 Introduction to class; translation exercise Child, lessons 1 & 2 Child, lesson 3; "No Two Snowflakes are Alike" (xerox) Child, 4; Holt, pp. 244-249; 261-269 Workshop: Translate Continuidad de los parques and letter Take-home worksheet; Holt, 37-73 Holt, 74-107 Child, 5; Holt, 103-126 Child, 6; Holt, 240-244 Child, 7; prepare translation of a commercial advertisement EXAM I Turn in take-home portion of Exam I Child, 8; translate newspaper article Child, 9; Holt, 196-200 Regionalisms and special words Workshop: translations of dramatic dialogue Child, 10; worksheet in groups Child, 11; Holt, 191-195; 145-159

Sept

Oct

28 30 Nov 4 6 11 13 18 20 Thanksgiving Dec 2 4 9 15

Child, 12-13; Holt, 127-144 Child, 14-15; Holt, 50-55 Child, 16-18; Holt, 212-220 Preparation of curriculum vitae Child, 19-20; Holt, 160-190 Child, 21-22; Holt, 1-49 Child, 23-24 EXAM II; turn in take-home portion

Translation vs. Interpretation (practical experience) Turn in final translation project to professor and to peer editor; evaluations !Fiesta! Peer editing/review due by 1:00 p.m.