PhD Thesis: Conceptualising Translation Helps Better Understand its Complexity
On November 3rd, Triin van Doorslaer from the Tallinn University Institute of Humanities will defend her doctoral thesis, in which she researched the role of conceptualising translation in translator education.
On November 3rd, Triin van Doorslaer from the Tallinn University Institute of Humanities will defend her doctoral thesis, in which she researched the role of conceptualising translation in translator education.
Her dissertation is based on the presumption that translation students need to adapt a broader understanding of translation and the fact that conceptualising translation as such is vital.
鈥淗itherto, translators have been seen as people who speak foreign languages well. It has now been established that translating is a complex cognitive activity, which, in addition to language competences, demands problem-solving, decision-making, analysis and reflection abilities. The innovative stance in translator education is aimed at helping students conceptualise translation as a complicated cognitive activity,鈥 van Doorslaer explains.
Her thesis analyses three different aspects, which should help widen the concept of translation. She looked at general views on translation, its definitions, concepts and uses of study diaries as seen by specific groups (translation students, professional translators and potential translation students), and the feedback process toward students and their translations.
The thesis finds that translation students are generally open to discussions on conceptualising translation and when their professor directs them toward such discussions, it helps them better understand the complexity of the translation process. At the same time, discussions on the attitudes and views on translation are useful to the translation lecturers, as it gives them a good overview on what to focus on at translation lectures.
Triin van Doorslaers doctoral thesis 鈥淐onceptualising Translation as an Awareness-Raising Method in Translator Education / T玫lkimise m玫testamine kui teadlikkust t玫stev k盲sitlusviis t玫lkijahariduses鈥 was supervised by Professor Suliko Liiv from Tallinn University. Her oponents are researcher Elin S眉tiste and associate professor Arvi Tavast, both from Tartu University.
Her doctoral thesis can be accessed via the Tallinn University Academic Library e-depository .
The public defence of the doctoral thesis will take place today, November 3rd, at 16:30 at the Tallinn University room M-225 (Uus-Sadama street 5).