Translation (Arabic - English)
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 102 pages
- 18 units
This course provides an in-depth exploration of translation techniques between Arabic and English. It covers various types of translation, including literal, idiomatic, and interlinear approaches. Students will learn practical strategies for translating diverse texts, ranging from political passages to literary works. The course also addresses common problems in translation, such as semantic differentiation and cultural nuances, equipping students with the skills to produce accurate and culturally sensitive translations. Emphasis is placed on understanding grammatical terminologies and abbreviations to enhance translation proficiency.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ARA284, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ARA284 · Unit 1 : The Concept of Translation
Translation consists of changing from one form – of language in this regard - to another. Talking about form, reference is made to the actual words, phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs etc which are spoken or written. They (i.e. the forms) are the surface structure of a language.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the core concepts and theories of translation.
- Differentiate between various types of translation and their applications.
- Apply effective techniques and strategies for translating Arabic texts into English.
- Identify and address common problems in translation, such as cultural nuances and semantic ambiguities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in translating diverse texts, including political passages, literary works, and scientific articles.
- Understand and apply Arabic grammatical terminologies to enhance translation accuracy.
What it prepares you for
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Linguist
- Content Localizer
- Cross-cultural Communication Specialist
- Government
- Education
- Media
- International Business
- Tourism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: More Passages for Translation
Unit 3: Story of Three Fishes from Kalīlah wa Dimnah, etc etc.
The unit requires understanding of complex allegorical narratives and the ability to convey subtle moral lessons accurately, demanding advanced comprehension and linguistic skills.
- Module 4: Translation of Select Terminologies, Poets and Poetries
Unit 4: The *Mu'allaqāt*
Requires familiarity with classical Arabic poetry and literary devices, as well as the historical and cultural context of the pre-Islamic era, making accurate interpretation and translation challenging.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concept, Types and Techniques of Translation
Unit 1: The Concept of Translation · 2 hours
Read the introduction to understand the importance of translation.. Study the definitions of translation and identify key components.. Reflect on the need for translation in various contexts..
Unit 2: Various Types of Translation · 2 hours
Identify and differentiate between literal, idiomatic, unduly free, and interlinear translations.. Analyze examples of each type of translation.. Practice translating simple sentences using different methods..
- Week 2Module 1: Concept, Types and Techniques of Translation
Unit 3: Techniques and Strategies of Translation (from Arabic to English) · 3 hours
Study the techniques of equivalence, adaptation, transposition, and modulation.. Analyze examples of each technique in Arabic-English translation.. Practice applying these techniques to short passages..
- Week 3Module 1: Concept, Types and Techniques of Translation
Unit 4: Steps of Translation · 3 hours
Learn the seven steps of translation: establishing the project, exegesis, transfer, evaluation, revision, consultation, and final draft.. Apply these steps to a sample translation project.. Discuss the importance of each step in ensuring translation quality..
- Week 4Module 1: Concept, Types and Techniques of Translation
Unit 5: Importance and Problems of Translation · 2 hours
Discuss the importance of translation in various fields.. Identify the problems of translation, such as semantic differentiation and cultural context.. Analyze strategies for overcoming these challenges..
- Week 5Module 2: Passages for Translation
Unit 1: Passages On Politics etc etc · 3 hours
Translate the passage on politics from Arabic to English.. Identify key vocabulary and expressions related to politics.. Discuss the writer's view of politics and politicians..
- Week 6Module 2: Passages for Translation
Unit 2: Passage On An Arab Physician, The Young Boy etc etc · 3 hours
Translate the passage on the Arab physician from Arabic to English.. Research the life and achievements of Abu l-Qāzim az-Zahrāwi (Abulcasis).. Discuss his contributions to medicine and surgery..
- Week 7Module 2: Passages for Translation
Unit 3: English – Arabic Translated Passages · 3 hours
Review the English-Arabic translated passages.. Identify the techniques used in translating each passage.. Practice translating similar passages from English to Arabic..
- Week 8Module 2: Passages for Translation
Unit 4: Aspects of the Prophet's Character · 3 hours
Translate the passage on aspects of the Prophet's character from Arabic to English.. Discuss the qualities that made the Prophet an exemplar.. Reflect on how these qualities can be applied in daily life..
- Week 9Module 3: More Passages for Translation
Unit 1: Passage 1: The Story of Two Cats · 2 hours
Translate the story of the two cats from Arabic to English.. Analyze the moral lessons of the story.. Discuss how the monkey exploited the cats' greed..
Unit 2: More Short Stories and Texts for Translation · 2 hours
Translate the story of the crow and the fox from Arabic to English.. Identify the deceptive tactics used by the fox.. Discuss the importance of not being easily deceived..
- Week 10Module 3: More Passages for Translation
Unit 3: Story of Three Fishes from Kalīlah wa Dimnah, etc etc. · 3 hours
Translate the story of the three fishes from Arabic to English.. Analyze the different approaches taken by each fish.. Discuss the importance of wisdom and foresight in avoiding danger..
- Week 11Module 3: More Passages for Translation
Unit 4: A Father's Advice for His Son and Two Other Texts · 3 hours
Translate the father's advice to his son from Arabic to English.. Identify the key virtues emphasized in the advice.. Discuss how these virtues can contribute to personal and social development..
- Week 12Module 3: More Passages for Translation
Unit 5: Extracts For Translation Continued · 3 hours
Review the extracts for translation and identify key themes.. Practice translating similar extracts from Arabic to English.. Discuss the challenges encountered during the translation process..
- Week 13Module 4: Translation of Select Terminologies, Poets and Poetries
Unit 1: Arabic Grammatical Terminologies translated into English · 4 hours
Study the Arabic grammatical terminologies and their English translations.. Practice using these terminologies in translation exercises.. Discuss the importance of grammatical knowledge in accurate translation..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a glossary of key Arabic grammatical terms and their English equivalents from Module 4.
- Practice translating a variety of texts from different modules (political, literary, scientific) weekly to build versatility.
- Focus on mastering the translation techniques (equivalence, adaptation, transposition, modulation) covered in Module 1, Unit 3.
- Review the seven steps of translation (Module 1, Unit 4) and apply them to past TMA questions.
- Analyze sample translations provided in Modules 2 and 3, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Prioritize understanding cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions, as these are frequently tested.
- Allocate time for thorough revision and proofreading of your translations to minimize errors.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ARA284 about?
This course provides an in-depth exploration of translation techniques between Arabic and English. It covers various types of translation, including literal, idiomatic, and interlinear approaches. Students will learn practical strategies for translating diverse texts, ranging from political passages to literary works. The course also addresses common problems in translation, such as semantic differentiation and cultural nuances, equipping students with the skills to produce accurate and culturally sensitive translations. Emphasis is placed on understanding grammatical terminologies and abbreviations to enhance translation proficiency.
How many units does ARA284 have?
ARA284, Translation (Arabic - English), has 18 units across 4 modules, over 102 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ARA284?
ARA284 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is ARA284 hard?
ARA284 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ARA284 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is ARA284 assessed?
ARA284 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with ARA284?
Translator, Interpreter, Linguist, Content Localizer and Cross cultural Communication Specialist.
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