GHANAIAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE: TRANSLATION
CONTEXT
Given the Ghanaian context of bilingualism, students have some idea about translation and interpretation. There is the need, however, to have a
more structured approach to the practice of translation. This is what this course seeks to provide by introducing students to the theory and
practice of translation.
Course Title Ghanaian Language & Culture: Translation
Course Code EBS 411 Course Level 400 Credit value: 3 Semester: 2
Course Delivery Face-to-face Practical Work-based Seminars Independent e-learning Practicum
Modes Activity learning Study opportunities
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Course The course introduces students to the theories and practice of translation and guides them to translate selected
Description texts from contemporary topics from English to the Ghanaian Language and vice versa. Texts for practice are
chosen based on topical issues in language and culture as they relate to skill of translation. The course makes
a clear distinction between translation, transliteration and interpretation.
The course is designed to meet the following: NTECF; NTS, (NTS 2c:12), (NTS 2e:13), (NTS 2f:13), (NTS
3e:14), (NTS 3j:14)
Course learning
outcome On successful completion of the course student teacher will be able to:
including
Outcomes Indicators
INDICATORS CLO 1 Discuss the form and meaning of translation 1. Explain the meaning of translation
for each learning (NTS 2c:13), (NTS 2e:13), (NTCEF 6:20)
outcome CLO 2 Distinguish between translation and interpreting 2. Identify the difference between translation
(NTS 1a,b:12), (NTS 2c:13), (NTS 2f:13), (NTS 3:14) and interpreting
CLO 3 Distinguish the source language from the target
language (passages (NTS 1a,b:12), (NTS 2c:13), (NTS 3. Identify the source language from the
2f:13), (NTS 3:14) target language
CLO 4 Translate passages/articles from English to the
Ghanaian language and vice versa (NTS 2c:13), (NTS 4. Translate passages from English to
2e:13), (NTCEF 6:20) Ghanaian Languages and vice versa
CLO 5 Use the technicalities of translation to translate
1. Apply the various techniques of translation
passages (NTS 1a,b:12), (NTS 2c:13), (NTS 2f:13),
to translate from various forms of
(NTS 3:14) passages.
Course content Units: Topics: Sub-topics: Suggested Teaching Learning
Activities
Definitional Definition of 1. Class brainstorm on the meanings
Issues translation of translation, interpretation and
Definition of identify some differences between
interpretation them
Difference(s) between
translation and
interpretation
The concept of 2. Discuss the denotative and
meaning Primary/Denotative connotative means of words and
Secondary/ give practical examples
Connotative
(these two can lead to
contextual meaning) 3. Discuss the types of translation
Types of
translation and practicalise it.
Free
Idiomatic
Literal
Concepts in 4. Discuss some of the factors that
Semantic
translation Understanding the text influence translation.
Audience
Culture
Competence(s)
Techniques of 5. Brainstorm and discuss on the
translation Reading steps one will take in translation.
Initial draft
Evaluation
Revised draft 6. In pairs students to translate texts
Final draft
from English the Ghanaian
Practical languages and from the Ghanaian
translation of Translating texts from languages to English.
text English to the
Ghanaian language
Translating texts from
the Ghanaian language
to English
Course Component 1: Formative Assessment (Quizzes)
Assessment Summary of Assessment Method
Component Quizzes: Class assessment would be based on quizzes. There would be two quizzes for the semester.
Weighting 20%.
Assesses Learning Outcomes: CLO 1
Component 2: Formative Assessment (Individual assignments and group presentations)
Summary of Assessment Method
Class Participation: Students must attend all lectures and must be punctual too. They are supposed to
participate actively in class discussions and assignments.
Assessment: will be based on class presentations and assignments.
Weighting 20%
Total Formative Assessment Weighting 40%
Assess Learning Outcomes: CLO 2
Component 3: Summative Assessment (End of Semester Examinations)
Summary of Assessment methods: An end of semester that encapsulates course learning outcomes (CLOs) 1 –
3, and make use a combination of the formative assessment methods in component one and two.
Demonstration: Problem solving, critical thinking and feedback.
Weighting 60%
Assesses learning outcomes: CLO 1,2, and 3
Instructional 1. Language Laboratory
Resources 2. Sound recorder
3. LCD projector
Required Text Chiaro, D. (2010). Translation, humour and literature (Vol. 1) London & New York: Continuum.
(core) Holmes, J.S. (Ed.). (2011). The nature of translation: Essays on the theory and practice of literary translation
(vol. 1) walter de Gruyter
Larson, M. L (1991). Translation: Theory and practice, tension and interdependence. Binghamton: State
University of New York.
Mwangi, E. M. (2017). Translation in Africa Contexts: postcolonial texts, queer sexuality, and cosmopolitan
fluency. Kent: The Kent State University Press.
Raw, L. (Ed.). (2013). Translation, adaptation and transformation. London: Bloomsbury.
Additional
Reading list
