New Summer Translation Institute
planned for 2009 The Summer Translation Institute (STI), hosted by the Department of Foreign Languages at Western Michigan University, offers a unique opportunity for advanced language learners and professionals to improve their translation skills while working on their language proficiency. This program is unique in that it provides intensive translation training in Arabic, Chinese, French, and Japanese, which is available only in a handful of graduate programs in the United States, despite the high demand for translators in the marketplace.
WHEN & WHERE The Institute will take place during the first four weeks of summer II 2009 (June 25, Thursday – July 24, Friday) on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Housing will be available for out-of-state students. GOALS - Training students in the nuts and bolts of translating to and from the particular language of their specialty
- Giving students the practical skills and basic knowledge necessary to make a career of translation
- Preparing a future generation of translators specializing in practical and literary translation
- Raising awareness of the theoretical and practical problems of translation, especially in regards to linguistic and cultural issues
CURRICULUM All students in the Summer Translation Institute will take two classes: - LANG 5250: Practicum in Translation (3 credit hours). There will be four sections of this class, one for students of Arabic, one for students of Chinese, one for students of French, and one for students of Japanese. These classes are designed to give students hands-on experience with translation with one language in particular. Classroom exercises and discussion will focus on the particular challenges of translating that particular language. Each section will meet for approximately three hours per day (MTWR) for four weeks.
- LANG 5800: Theory and Business of Translation (2 credit hours). Students from the various language sections will come together in this course to talk about theoretical approaches to translation, practical problems translators encounter, and preparing themselves for careers in translation. This course is taught by experienced translators who have first-hand knowledge of the work and demands placed upon professional translators.
In addition, course work will be supplemented with guest speakers. The institute will bring four distinguished professionals and experts in the field of translation to discuss their own translations and experiences in translation. Each section will meet twice a week for approximately two hours for the four weeks of the Institute. WHO SHOULD APPLY The Institute welcomes applicants from across the nation and the world. We welcome your application if you are a... - Undergraduate student from WMU or another university who is studying a foreign language and is considering a career that will use those abilities
- Graduate student from WMU or another university who relies on translation for your research
- Professional who does or might be doing translation as part of your career
- Government official who relies on foreign languages as part of your career
- High-school teacher in Michigan who needs advanced courses in foreign languages to maintain your language teaching certification (as required by the No Child Left Behind Act)
- International student or professional who is interested in a short-term intensive language program in America
- Native speaker in Arabic, Chinese, French, or Japanese who wants to gain experience in translating into English
APPLICATIONS & CONTACT INFORMATION For more information, including information about how to apply, housing, fees, the university, orKalamazoo in general, visit the Summer Translation Institute Web site, or write: summer-translation@wmich.edu Department of Foreign Languages
4th Floor, Sprau Tower
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5338 |
