CW915-15 The Practice of Literary Translation
Introductory description
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.
Module aims
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.
Week One: Introduction/Becoming Visible as a Translator
Week Two: Prose Workshop
Week Three: Prose Workshop
Week Four: Reading and Reviewing
Week Five: Poetry Workshop
Week Six: Poetry Workshop
Week Seven: Markets and Systems
Week Eight: Free Choice Workshop
Week Nine: Free Choice Workshop
Week Ten: How to Get Started in Literary Translation
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- The development of practical literary translation skills, including editorial skills; the ability to establish a conceptual and practical framework for the production of literary translations; an appreciation of 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
No subject specific skills defined for this module.
Transferable skills
No transferable skills defined for this module.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 3 hours (20%) |
| Private study | 120 hours (80%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Reading & research
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Portfolio of creative and critical work | 100% | No | |
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Students will submit a portfolio of 50% creative work (i.e. literary translation) and 50% essay. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on final portfolios. Oral feedback on translations workshopped in class.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.