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The recent revolutionary upheaval in the field of technology has brought far-reaching changes within the discipline of translation in today's digital world. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary translation technology and its varied applications, including the basics of audio-visual translation (AVT) and the use of Computer-Assisted Translation Tools, especially SDL Trados Studio.
The rapid advancements in technology have profoundly transformed the field of translation. The increasing convergence of communication, information, and computer technologies (ICTs) has accelerated the pace at which institutions and businesses operate. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in translation—through neural machine translation (NMT), large language models (LLMs), translation apps, and automated subtitling—has expanded the ways digital and audiovisual content (such as HTML, videos, and video games) is localized for diverse audiences. As a result, the modern translator’s workplace has evolved to incorporate cutting-edge tools that enhance efficiency, quality, and adaptability in an industry that now demands not only translation but also revision, post-editing, transcreation, and layout preparation for publication.This course provides an in-depth introduction to a wide range of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, offering a comprehensive overview of modern electronic translation environments and strategies for effectively integrating these tools into professional workflows. Regardless of whether translators choose to use AI-driven tools, NMT, or LLMs, understanding their functionalities, strengths, and limitations is essential for making informed decisions in real-world translation scenarios.Today, large-scale translation projects are often managed by translation agencies that help companies localize their products while maintaining long-term business relationships. Project managers play a crucial role in this process, overseeing workflows and ensuring quality standards. Students will gain insights into the structure of the translation industry, different types of assignments, and the preferred processing methods used across various sectors. A detailed mapping of the translator’s workplace will help students understand key processes, from client requests to project completion, involving agencies, translators, and project managers.Additionally, this course explores the fundamentals of audiovisual translation (AVT), including the growing demand for subtitling, dubbing, and software localization. Given the increasing importance of transcreation—adapting content creatively for different cultural and linguistic audiences—students will also examine how creative translation plays a role in marketing, advertising, and entertainment industries. To gain firsthand insight into the AVT industry, students will participate in a field trip to a dubbing studio, where they will observe the dubbing process and better understand the technical and creative demands of voiceover work.Finally, a core practical component of the course focuses on RWS Trados Studio, one of the most widely used CAT tools in the industry. Students will learn to manage files, set up their own translation workstation, edit and process texts efficiently, and leverage translation memories and terminology management tools to enhance their productivity.*Students will be translating into English, for most of their assignments, but some work will be translating out of English, with all students tackling the same text whenever possible.
By the end of this course, you will have developed both a conceptual and practical understanding of computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools and their role in modern translation workflows. You will acquire strategies for effectively utilizing these tools to enhance translation efficiency while ensuring that the original text’s intended functions are fulfilled. Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts related to translation assignments, the localization industry, and the evolution of translation tools, including AI-driven technologies, neural machine translation (NMT), and large language models (LLMs).Apply critical thinking to make informed decisions regarding the use of translation tools, including CAT tools, machine translation post-editing (MTPE), and subtitling software.Create glossaries and analyse translation memories (TMs) to enhance translation consistency and quality.Implement appropriate strategies to produce high-quality subtitled translations from source-language audiovisual materials, considering technical and linguistic constraints.Make and justify subtitling choices based on specific project requirements, audience expectations, and industry standards.Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge when subtitling and understand its significance within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand.Utilize online terminological databases to support professional development and collaborative problem-solving.Understand the role of transcreation in adapting content for diverse cultural and linguistic audiences, particularly in marketing, advertising, and entertainment.Gain hands-on experience in audiovisual translation (AVT) through a field trip to a dubbing studio, gaining insight into the professional dubbing process and industry expectations.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to the approval of the Head of Department.
LANC403
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Wladimir Padilla Silva
Textbook: The instructor will be providing you with the necessary materials on a weekly basis. Selected journal articles and publicly accessible public services related texts.Software: The required software for this course is RWS Trados Studio 2024, which the University of Canterbury will be providing under an education license to the students of the MATI Programme.Additional topic-related materials will be given in class as photocopies. These will include theoretical explanations and practical exercises for each topic discussed. Course materials will also include PowerPoint presentations and other digital materials uploaded onto LEARN.Other material, which may be helpful, can be found in the Library Subject Guides: http://canterbury.libguides.com/An in-depth analysis of the bibliography for this course includes the following reading:• Austermuhl, F. (2014). Electronic tools for translators. Routledge.• Craciunescu, O., Gerding-Salas, C., & Stringer-O'Keeffe, S. (2004). Machine translation and computer-assisted translation. Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Translation.• Folaron, D. (2010). Translation tools. Handbook of Translation Studies, 1, 429-436.• Garrett, N. (2009). Computer‐assisted language learning trends and issues revisited - integrating innovation. The modern language journal, 93, 719-740.• Malmjaer, Kirsten and Windle, Kevin. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of Translation Studies
Domestic fee $2,169.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .