EN9A5-30 The Practice of Literary Translation
Introductory description
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Module aims
This module draws on the ideas and practices of the eminent scholar and translator Michael Henry Heim, who led a writing workshop on literary translation at UCLA for more than thirty years. The emphasis will be on literary translation as literary writing. Students are invited to translate into English texts from whatever language – ancient or modern – they choose. It is the translated text that is examined in workshops. Students mark whatever words, sentences, or phrases they find puzzling, and together they seek reasons, alternatives, and (ultimately) general principles. Over time, students come to understand the particular challenges and pitfalls of the languages from which they are translating, as well as coming to appreciate that each language has its own ‘genius’. They also come to appreciate the complex processes by which translators can deploy literary techniques, not just to do justice to the works they are translating, but also to challenge and ultimately enrich their own use of the English language. Students will be asked to attempt translations across a range of modes and forms. Readings from translated literature and Translation Studies will allow students to reflect on their practice. Literary translators will be invited to speak about their practice and about the books they have brought into English.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
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Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- To have developed practical literary translation skills, including a sensitivity to literary style, and editing skills.
- To have the ability to establish a conceptual and practical framework for the production of literary translations.
- To have developed a body of intellectual and practical knowledge about the position occupied by translation in the literary system and marketplace.
Indicative reading list
Week One:
Venuti, Lawrence (2013) ‘Towards a translation culture’ In: Lawrence Venuti, Translation Changes Everything. Abingdon: Routledge. pp.231-248. and the responses to Venuti’s essay archived online at https://mdash-ahb.org/the-translation-forum/
Week Four:
Venuti, Lawrence (2014) ‘How to Read a Translation’, Words Without Borders, January 2004.
Esther, Allen (2014) ‘Lost in the Book Review’, In Other Words 44, pp. 26-33.
Wright, Chantal (2016) Literary Translation. Abingdon: Routledge.
Week Seven:
Apter, Emily (2001) ‘On Translation in a Global Market’, Public Culture, 13.1, pp.1-12.
Casanova, Pascale (2005) ‘Literature as a World’, New Left Review, Jan-Feb 2005.
Even-Zohar, Itamar (1978/revised 1990) ‘On the Position of Translated Literature within the Literary Polysystem’ In: Lawrence Venuti, ed. 2000. The Translation Studies Reader. Abingdon: Routledge.
Toury, Gideon. 1995. ‘The Nature and Role of Norms in Translation; In: Lawrence Venuti, ed. 2000. The Translation Studies Reader. Abingdon: Routledge.
Subject specific skills
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Transferable skills
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Study time
| Type | Required |
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| Seminars | 10 sessions of 3 hours (10%) |
| Private study | 270 hours (90%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Portfolio of creative and critical work | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
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50% creative and 50% critical. Variation permissible for students pursuing poetry projects, by agreement with the instructor. Length as specified by department. As determined by the student's 'home' programme. Ignore '2' in number of words box below. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
200 words of written feedback provided on Tabula.
Pre-requisites
Students must feel comfortable translating into English from a classical or modern language. Please consult with the instructor if in doubt.
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- CW921-60 Literary Translation Studies Dissertation
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TENA-Q3PE Postgraduate Taught English and Drama