MA in Celtic Studies

Module Descriptor - Screen Translation: Theory and Practice

Department: Welsh
Module Code: MAAC0540
Level: postgraduate
No of Credits: 40
Methods of assessment: see below
Teaching Method(s):lectures, tutorials and seminars in subtitling suite
Pre-requisite(s): none
Co-requisite(s): none
Incompatibles: none
Medium: Welsh
Contact hours : n/a
Term taught: 1 and 2
Lecturers: Dr Elisa Moras and Mrs Gwen Davies

Syllabus:

This module will equip the student with the necessary high level of training in the principles, linguistic, and technical skills necessary for sub-titling to broadcast standard and to apply the relevant time codes. It will consist of an intensive course of 15-20 hours at the beginning of the course, weekly sessions on the creation and time coding of sub-titles as well as seminars conducted by skilled practitioners. The course will include (i) a review and analysis of relevant literature on screen translation; (ii) the major characteristics of translating for television - the similarities and differences that exist with other translating activities; (iii) the linguistic and cultural transfer problems encountered by subtitlers; (iv) a study of technological and language skills within a bilingual context (including interpretation of script, preparation of script, use of subtitle texts and display parameters, synchronisation and transfer skills).

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be expected to:

• have a thorough knowledge of the sub-titling guidelines approved by broadcasting authorities and sub-titling companies;
• be able to apply these guidelines;
• be able to create and time code sub-titles in Welsh and in English for various types of television programmes;
• work independently under postproduction conditions.

Method of Assessment:

The principles taught will be applied in a series of practical assignments and a portfolio of work consisting of approximately 60 minutes of subtitles will be submitted for assessment which will be indicative of the learning outcomes. Candidates are also required to select a minimum of six but no more than twelve relevant challenges, commentating on the translation challenges to reveal the possible options available to the translator in arriving at a solution to each difficulty and to justify the ultimate choice made.

Transferable and other skills involved:

This module should enable students to:

• acquire enhanced bilingual communication skills;
• • improve written and translation skills useful in the bilingual working environment;
• improve their IT skills;
• discuss a wide range of theoretical issues relating to teaching strategies and effective bilingual communication;
• demonstrate improved vocational skills.

Select bibliography:

• Baker, R. G., Handbook for Television Subtitlers.
• Delabasstita, D., ‘ Translation and mass communication: film and TV translation as evidence of cultural dynamics', Babel 35:4 (1989), 193-218.
• Dirven, Rene and Martin Putz, ‘Intercultural communication', Language Teaching , July 1993.
• Ivarsson, Ian and Mary Carroll, Subtitling , TransEdit HB, Simrishamn, Sweden
• Kyle, J. G., Switched On: deaf people's views on television subtitling . A report for the ITC and BBC by the Centre for Deaf Studies, University of Bristol , 1992.
• James, Heulwen L., Canllawiau Arferion Da ar gyfer Is-deitlwyr yng Nghymru – Y Camau Cyntaf.
• Lambourne, A. D. and G. Rowston IBA/Oracle Teletext Ltd., Southampton University , 1982.
• Luyken, G. M., Herbst, T., Langham-Brown, J., Reid, H. and Spinhof, H. Overcoming language barriers in television dubbing and subtitling for the European audience , Media monograph 13. European Institute for the Media, Manchester , 1991.
• Nedergaard-Larsen, B., ‘ Culture-Bound factors in subtitling', in Perspectives: Studies in Translatology , 2 (1993), 206-41.
• Newmark, Peter, About Translation , Multilingual Matters (Clevedon, 1991).
• Reid, Helen, ‘ The semantics of subtitling or: Why don't you translate what I say? ' EBU Review 38.(1987), 67-77.
• Rubin, A., ‘ Ritualised and instrumental television viewing', Journal of Communication , 34 (1984), 67-77.
• Sperber, D. and D. Wilson , Relevance Communication and Cognition , ( Oxford , 1986).
• Vöge, H., ‘ The translation of films: subtitles versus dubbing' , Babel 23 (1977), 120-125.
• Yvanne, J., ‘ Subtitling: dubbing and targets' , Media 8 (1991), 6-8.

Evaluation:

Module evaluation questionnaires covering all aspects such as presentation, delivery and assessment will be distributed to students at the end of the module. All students within the Department are also invited to submit comments via their representative at the termly meetings of the Departmental Staff-Student Consultative Committee. The course is also subject to annual reports by the External Examiner and periodic review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.