CHIN 5200: Chinese Literary Translation

Wednesdays 3:30-6:00 in Maury 110

Introduction

This is a course that uses modern and contemporary Chinese literary works to introduce students to the challenges and rewards of translation. Translation is a skill that is rarely taught in modern language courses, but it is very important to students' mastery of foreign language. Translation links comprehension with expression at a level of depth and precision that cannot be attained in a target-language immersed classroom. Here we will use a variety of activities to approach issues of Chinese-English translation. Principally using Chinese short stories, essays and poems of moderate difficulty as case studies we will practice translating, mostly in groups, to develop those special skills and sensitivities.

Goals

Students are expected to learn the complexities of translation and demonstrate the ability to produce readable and accurate translations of Chinese literary works. This includes demonstrating the ability to distinguish linguistic registers, make reasonable choices among synonyms and to capture the mood as well as the meaning of the original work and, at least to some extent, the author's voice.

Methods

Classroom activities and assignments will largely be accomplished in small groups composed of students with varying abilities and backgrounds. Groups will produce rough translations, but final (polished) translations will be the work of each individual student. Actual translation activities will be alternated with specialized units that include dictionary exercises, readings and discussion about translation theory, film subtitling and possibly others, based on student input and interests.

Resources

Literary translation toolbox

Requirements and Grading

Grades will be based both on classroom participation (which includes collaborating on rough translations in groups) and on individually completed translations. Attendance is imperative as there will be evaluated work every week in class, unless otherwise directed. Grades will be assigned according to the following formula:

• Attendance 20%
• Participation in Group Work 40%
• Quality of Individual Translations (3000 words of English over the course of the semester) 25%
  • includes translation notebook (with special emphasis on revision) and individual translation project (due 4/25/2016)
• May 5, 2016: 3000-word paper in English analyzing one or more issues raised in Chinese-English literary translation 15%
  • model format for analytical papers

This course uses literary texts to introduce students to the special skills and problems of translation, skills and problems that are often neglected in the course of modern foreign language instruction. Activities include: familiarization with key theoretical issues in translation studies, dictionary training, assessing and comparing existing translations, group work, draft revision, and quizzes on reading assignments. Each translation will go through at least 2 drafts before final submission. This course emphasizes practice over theory, but students will be asked to read fundamental writings in translation studies. Some familiarity with Chinese literature (any CHTR class) preferred.