The Specialisation in Translation from the Students’ Point of View

Abstract

Simultaneously with the adoption of the Bologna Process, a specialisation in translation was introduced in our department. The issue of teaching translation at the undergraduate level is rarely mentioned in studies about translation, as the aim at this level is not to train professional translators. However, it is necessary to deal with this issue, as the specialisation in translation is popular among undergraduate students and many students take translation courses every year. The present study, based on the results of a questionnaire survey among students, aims to find out how students enrolled in the translation specialisation perceive the work of translators, how they approach the translation process, and what goals they aim to achieve through the translation specialisation. We will present the major research findings on translation competence, two models of translation competence (PACTE, EMT), and the concept of mediation based on the CEFR complementary document. On the basis of prior empirical research and the results of student questionnaires, we will also try to identify the translation competences that can and should be developed at the undergraduate level.