BA German and Spanish

This course focuses on literary translation from German into English. We will examine techniques of literary translation, discuss solutions to translation problems, and students will undertake practical exercises in translation of prose from their respective languages. As well as introducing students to some exciting new writers, the course will develop awareness of the less tangible, poetic aspects of literary meaning, and the problems they pose for the literary translator. For example we will deal with the tension between the ‘targeteers’ and the ‘sourcerers’ (Landers), between the urge for ‘faithfulness’ and Walter Benjamin’s heretical view of translation as ‘the transformation and renewal of a living thing’. Students will also become aware of traditions in literary translation specific to German culture.

Information
This course unit is open to second and final year students in German Studies. It is also available as a Free Choice subject to appropriate language skills and with the agreement of the course convenor.

 

• To enhance and further develop students’ appreciation of literary language in German
• To improve their translation skills
• To deepen understanding and awareness of different approaches to translation.

• Sufficient understanding of core cultural and theoretical concepts to be able to recognise potential problems in translation and appreciate and think of creative solutions to these problems.
• Enhanced knowledge of recent German literature.

• ability to evaluate the work of their own and other translators on an informed basis
• ability to argue knowledgeably for or against specific translation choices.

• increased sensitivity to language structure and to aspects of intercultural communication;
• improved translation skills from German into English

• time management
• team work
• presentational skills
• analytical skills 

1. Arrojo, Rosemary, ‘Fidelity and the Gendered Translation’, TTR: traduction, terminologie, redaction, 7.2 (1994), 147-63
2. Benjamin, Walter, ‘The Translator’s Task’, trans Steven Rendall, TTR: traduction, terminologie, redaction, 10.2 (1997), 151-65
3. Hervey, Sándor, Ian Higgins and Michael Loughridge, Thinking German Translation. A Course in Translation Landers, Clifford E., Literary Translation: A Practical Guide, (Clevedon: Multilingual Matters, 2001)
4. Lefevere, André, Translating Literature: Practice and Theory in a Comparative Literature Context (New York: the Modern Language Association of America, 1992)
5. Venuti, Lawrence, ‘Introduction’, The Translator, 4.2 (1998), 135-44
6. Venuti, Lawrence (ed), The Translation Studies Reader, London: Routledge, 2012
7. Witte, Arnd, Theo Harden, Alessandra Ramos de Oliveira Harden, Translation in Second-Language Learning and Teaching, (Oxford: Lang, 2009)