The Significance of Translation Projects in the Curriculum of the Undergraduate Program of Translation at the University of Sulaimani
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21928/juhd.v11n2y2025.pp88-96Keywords:
Translation project, Translation commentary, Translation annotation, Problem-based learning, Project-based learning, Problem-solving, Bologna Process Culture, Conspicuous Consumption, Food, University studentsAbstract
This study examines the significance of translation projects in the undergraduate translation curriculum at the University of Sulaimani, focusing on their role in developing subject-specific and generic skills and competencies. Drawing from the principles of the Bologna Process and Problem- and Project-based Learning, the study investigates the benefits of translation projects among 74 translation students in the Department of Translation, College of Languages, University of Sulaimani. In doing so, a questionnaire and a mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data analysis are utilized. The findings demonstrate that translation projects are instrumental in enhancing students’ translation-related skills, including text analysis, problem-solving, and reflection on translation choices. Furthermore, the findings also reveal that these projects foster critical thinking, creativity and teamwork, aligning with the Bologna Process’s emphasis on student-centred learning and the acquisition of 21st-century skills. Accordingly, this study highlights the importance of translation projects not only as an academic requirement, but also as a valuable tool for preparing students for professional translation works, bridging the gap between theory and practice and contributing to the development of essential soft skills necessary for the modern labour market.
References
Adab, B. J. (1994) Annotated Texts for Translation: French-English. Clevedon. Avon: Multilingual Matters.
Adab, B. J. (1996) Annotated Texts for Translation: English-French. Clevedon, Avon: Multilingual Matters.
Almanna, A. (2016) The Routledge Course in Translation Annotation: Arabic-English-Arabic. London and New York: Routledge.
Barr, R.B. and Tagg, J. (1995) ‘From teaching to learning —a new paradigm for undergraduate education’, Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 27(6), pp.12–26. doi:10.1080/00091383.1995.10544672.
Bell, R. (1991) Translation and Translating: Theory and Practice. London and New York: Longman.
Colina, S. (2015) Fundamentals of Translation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Delisle, et al. (1999) Translation Terminology. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company.
European Union (2015) ECTS users’ guide 2015. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Fox, O. (2000) The use of translation diaries in a process-oriented translation teaching methodology. In: Schäffner, C. and Adab, B. (Eds.). Developing Translation Competence. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing Company, pp.115–130.
Galán-Mañas, A. and Hurtado Albir, A. (2015) Competence Assessment Procedures in Translator Training. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 9(1), pp.63-82.
Garcia Alvarez, A. M. (2007) Evaluating Students’ Translation Process in Specialised Translation: Translation Commentary. The Journal of Specialised Translation 9, pp. 139-163.
Hatim, B. and Mason, I. (1990) Discourse and the translator. London and New York: Longman.
Kokotsaki, et al. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), pp. 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733
Kussmaul, P., (1995) Training the Translator. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publication Company
Likert, R. (1932) A technique for the measurement of attitudes. Archives of Psychology, 22, 140, pp.44-53.
Lokhoff, et al., (2010) A Tuning guide to Formulating Degree programme Profiles: Including Programme Competences and Programme Learning Outcomes. Bilbao, Groningen, The Hague: Publicaciones de la Universidad de Deusto ; University of Groningen ; Head, International Recognition Department.
London Metropolitan University (2021) Translation – BA (Hons). [Online]. Available from: https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/translation---ba-hons/ (Accessed 27th Feb. 2024)
Martinez, N. and Hurtado, A. (2001). Assessment in translation studies: research needs. Meta 46 (2), pp.272–287.
Munday, J. (2016) Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications. 4th ed. London and New York: Routledge.
Nord, C. (1991) Text Analysis in Translation: Theory, Methodology and Didactic Applications of a Model for Translation-Oriented Text Analysis. 2nd ed. Amsterdam and New York: Rodopi.
Nilson, L. B. (2010) Teaching at Its Best. 3rd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Palumbo, G. (2009) Key Terms in Translation Studies. London and New York: Continuum International Publishing Group.
Presas, M. (2012) Training Translators in the European Higher Education Area. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 6(2), pp.139-169.
Reiss, K. (1971/2004) 'Type, Kind and Individuality of Text: Decision Making in Translation'. Trans: Susan Kitron. In: Venuti, L. (ed.) The Translation Studies Reader. 2nd ed. New York and London: Routledge, pp.168–179.
Saldanha, G. and O'Brien, S. (2013) Research Methodologies in Translation Studies. London and New York: Routledge.
Schäffner, C. (2001) Annotated Texts for Translation: English-German, Functionalist Approaches Illustrated. Clevedon, Avon: Multilingual Matters.
Schwartz, P. (2013) Problem-based Learning: Case Studies, Experience and Practice. London and New York: Routledge.
Sewell, P. M. (2002) Translation Commentary: the Art Revisited: A Study of French Texts. Dublin: Philomel.
Shei, C. (2005) Translation Commentary: A Happy Medium between Translation Curriculum and EAP. System 33, pp. 309-325.
Shih, C. Y. (2018) Translation commentary re-examined in the eyes of translator educators at British universities. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 30, pp. 291-311.
Shuttleworth, M. and Cowie, M. (1997) Dictionary of Translation Studies. Manchester: St. Jerome Publishing.
University of Durham (2021) Translation Studies. [Online]. Available from: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/r9k107/ (Accessed 27th Feb. 2024)
University of Sulaimani (2024) Department of Translation. [Online]. Available from: Department of Translation – College of Language (univsul.edu.iq) (Accessed 2nd July 2024)
University of Westminster (2021) Specialised Translation MA. [Online]. Available from: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/languages-courses/2022-23/september/full-time/specialised-translation-ma (Accessed 27th Feb. 2024)
Williams, J. and Chesterman, A. (2002) The Map: A Beginner's Guide to Doing Research in Translation Studies. Manchester: St. Jerome Publishing.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Umed Qadir Muhammad Ameen, Daban Mohammed Haji
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
