Translation of Science and Technology Writings with Technology

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Translation of Science and Technology Writings with Technology (CTI211)

Synopsis

The objective of the course is to familiarise students with the register and discourse characteristics of the science and technology writings in both English and Chinese, and to develop and reinforce the skills and techniques required for translating science and technology writings from Chinese to English and vice versa. A wide range of scientific and technical texts, chosen from the fields of medicine, engineering, computer science, information technology, telecommunication, architecture, and science texts will be discussed. The course will familiarise the students with the terminologies used in different areas of science and technology and further reinforce the advanced translation techniques. Students will also be introduced to the SDL Trados 2007’s Translator's Workbench, a translation memory ™. Students will also be given ample hands-on practices with the software itself. The aim of this TM tool is to give students a further edge in producing excellent quality translation work.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Introduction to Science and Technology Writings
Methodologies in Translating Science and Technology Writings
Overview of Translation Technologies
Translating with SDL Trados 2007’s Translator’s Workbench
The Translation Process and Translating with SDL Trados Workbench
Translation of Terminology with SDL Trado’s MultiTerm

Learning Outcome

Discuss the different types of translation technologies, such as Machine Translation and Computer-Aided Translation (in particular Translation Memory tools.
Appraise the effectiveness of translation technology in assisting human translators.
Recognise the common features of science and technology writings and explain the common methods in translating science and technology writings from English to Chinese and vice versa.
Demonstrate the competence in assessing a piece of science and technology translation based on established criteria.
Examine the translation process mechanism.
Apply specific techniques in translating terminology.
Execute the translation of science and technology writings (e.g. User guide, Popular Science) from Chinese to English and vice versa.