JAPN 304: Intro to Translation and Interpretation
This course is an introduction to translating and interpreting that provides an overview of the knowledge necessary for the fields of translation and interpretation. Students will study general issues involved in translating and interpreting and building the foundation of knowledge and techniques including rapid reading, analyzing, summarizing and paraphrasing, listening comprehension and shadowing. Taught in Japanese.
My Experience:
This course marked me first attempt at translation in a professional sense. While in Japan, I did some minor proofreading and assisting of Japanese students writing graduation theses in English, but I had yet to properly learn the tools needed to make translation a profession. Since I want to become a simultaneous translator/interpreter, I see this class as a very important bolstering of my skills to become professionally proficient with Japanese. While Japanese language proficiency was an important part of this class, the amount of material that focused on translation method alone did shock me. This made me realize that translation requires a skill set separate from fluency. Since this was just an introductory course, I was not able to master the various practices for simultaneous translation, but this class formed a solid foundation from which I can continue to add translation skills to my repertoire.
I also strengthened my Japanese knowledge further, as we often broke down complex grammar to gain a greater understanding to translate more effectively. This kind of break-down learning matches my own personal style. I feel that I was able to absorb a lot of information from each class session. This class also emphasized the importance of cultural knowledge when translating. Because of this, translation often has multiple methods, and there are often multiple correct choices when translating to and from Japanese. Beyond this class, I want to gain a greater understanding of nuance in Japanese writing and speaking so I can effectively convey messages in both languages simultaneously.
I also strengthened my Japanese knowledge further, as we often broke down complex grammar to gain a greater understanding to translate more effectively. This kind of break-down learning matches my own personal style. I feel that I was able to absorb a lot of information from each class session. This class also emphasized the importance of cultural knowledge when translating. Because of this, translation often has multiple methods, and there are often multiple correct choices when translating to and from Japanese. Beyond this class, I want to gain a greater understanding of nuance in Japanese writing and speaking so I can effectively convey messages in both languages simultaneously.