What are Translation Studies?

What are Translation Studies?

Translation studies, as the name suggests, is an academic discipline that deals with the study of translation not only as a field of expertise, but also examines it in terms of metalinguistic processes as well as in terms of pedagogy. Its aim, therefore, is to scientifically study translation in detail by way of research, and in doing so, ensure the rearing of translation specialists. It also looks at interpretation, alongside systematic and applied studies there within. In being an interdisciplinary course of study that spans across numerous academic fields, translation studies departments at the same time prepare university students to become highly competent professional translators and interpreters. As part of this, they are fed not only by foreign language and linguistics departments, but also may dip into other sub disciplines as well, including computer science, philology, history, philosophy, semiotics, and terminology research. Translation studies allows for cross-dialogue between various languages, it sets professional standards, and it draws upon research in order to develop translation and interpretation. With that, students of it thus graduate to become professional and/or sworn translators and/or interpreters. However, those who wish to study to become one of the above are faced with a dilemma when selecting it comes to selecting their major. That is, they must decide between one of two departments: translation/interpretation and translation studies. This dilemma has led to great confusion amongst potential students, and likewise become the subject of considerable research. So, what exactly is the difference between translation/interpretation and translation studies? Allow us to answer…

The Difference between Translation Studies and Translation/Interpretation

People often ask what the difference between these two branches of study is. To put things in a nutshell: the fundamental difference between each is that the former is more comprehensive than the latter. Translation studies explores the culture behind the languages involved in intimate detail and in turn enables language professionals to better translate/interpret between those languages, whereas translation/interpretation provides students with only the technical aspects of their craft. For example, if one were translating a particular proverb from English into their target language, they may not always have the luxury of being able to find a conceptual equivalent for that. In essence translation studies teach you how to approach that. Another example is the matter of translating humor. In order to convey culture-specific humor across languages, one must have an in-depth knowledge of cultures of the languages they are working with. This too is an area that is dealt with by translation studies. In order to do as accurate a translation as possible, the translator/interpreter in turn must have complete mastery over both the target and source languages and cultures in question. That is perhaps the biggest advantage that translation studies offer students. What are the job prospects like for translation studies majors?

What types of career paths await graduates?

Those who major in translation studies can easily find employment in both the public and private sectors, including institutions with translation departments, as well as in translation bureaus. They also can effortlessly find work in publishing houses as well. Nevertheless, regardless of whatever path one takes, graduates should both strive to continuously better themselves, as well should try to gain industry experience through apprenticeships. Those who cultivate their craft are the most likely excel in the translation industry.