Translation Class
I would like to know if any of you have taken a formal class in translation. I am considering signing up for one that begins in May and lasts until August.
The class work will encompass translating medical, news, legal, business and financial topics. The course description also states, "learn basic skills and techniques to translate texts and how to find the resources to solve translation problems".
I think my concern is where do you (ustedes) think one should 'be' in their Spanish level to jump into this class? Back in The Stone Age, I remember this type of class was given with no prerequisite of any prior knowledge of the lengua and just show up with a dictionary, now it is a requirement to take a placement test (very wise) but again, I would just like some considered opinions as to where I should be in my education.
I realize the test will be the 'yea' or 'nay' factor, but I would like to know where you think the bar may be set for this type of class.
Thank you for your opinions.
4 Answers
I took a couple of levels of "Legal Translation" in a local University. I have no idea how it may be in the place that you have in mind, but the classes that I took were pretty darned hard. They were certainly not "intro to English" lessons; you had to have a good foundation already, and you needed to have access to several different specialized dictionaries, and know how to use them.
I'd suggest that you check the prerequisites for this course. They usually tell you there what skills you need to have in order to take the course.
In the translation class required for a Spanish degree at my university the prerequisites include advanced composition and advanced conversation. I would think this level is about right because I don't think anybody taking a class like this should need to think much about verb tenses or vocabulary and they should know a large amount of idiomatic expressions.
I know to do it in college or professionally you need C1/C2 level, which is advanced/proficiency. To be honest I'd see it as a waste of money if you didn't have that, you will never get a job as a professional translator without at least that level, and translation is a terribly slow way to learn a language.
You say that you are at the "intermediate" level in Spanish.
From my experience of translating (to and from Danish / English) not Spanish, I would suggest that what you are hoping to do from your post above would be very very difficult.
Of course your level of Spanish would improve in taking the course.
