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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Introduction to Translation and Interpretation

Posted by c.h.tay

This is the only translating and interpreting major course offered in the world at the basic degree level, mostly translating course is offered as masters or Ph. D programs in overseas, according to my lecturers. In Malaysia, only Universiti Sains Malaysia offers translating as majors degrees. UM and UPM offers as minor or diploma courses.

Basically one of the aims of this course is to cultivate reliable and trustworthy translator and interpreter in our country. The differences between translating and interpreting is translating is more a process of changing a source language (written text) to a target language text. Interpreting is more to a verbal process of changing the source language to target language.

The first semester of the course introduced the basic theories of translation, ways to editing, English grammar, Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi, basic English (everyone must take in order to graduate from university). The theories part is a bit tricky, although translating process is the same, but different theories lead to different approaches and focus on different aspects of languages, e.g. some focus on translating the exact meaning, thus focus on singular/plural and tenses; some focus on bringing out the meaning that is easy to understand by the 'audience' (reader).

Translating is an interesting process, same theory can also lead to different translation, thus there is no exact same translation in the world for a same source sentence.

Most Malaysians think that they are capable of doing translation of their own, as most of them have learn at least two to three languages since primary schools. But to make translating trustworthy is a long way to go, and mostly translation works which done by layman will be have inconsistency and misinterpret is also a common mistake. Moreover, not everyone of us has perfect grammar in our work, so translator/interpreter is here to make your presentation right.

Those who love languages are encourage to apply for this course, this is a platform to show out your talent. You can also take foreign languages, such as Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Arabic etc. as minor course to get 'a new hand' and outshine your resume or CV.
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Comments
63 Comments

63 comments:

  1. There are bachelor degrees in Translation available worldwide. Just a google search for bachelor translation can show this.

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  2. well,it is in mass comm too!
    depends on which field you want to major in.

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  3. Hi to all, actually back then at my time, bachelor degrees in Translation and Interpretation c.onsidered as 'double majors', as what our lecturers told us. But now, everything is advancing, so, I'm glad to hear that translation courses offered worldwide as bachelor degrees. ^-^

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  4. I am an ELLS (English Language and Literature) student in USM currently pursuing Translation and Interpretation as my minor. I have to agree that there is more than meets the eye in translation, and that a sentence has to be observed through different angles and vantage points in order to achieve a more accurate translation.

    The culture and customs must also be taken into consideration, along with local traditions, way of life, figures of speech, grammar etc. so all in all it is not as easy as many people think it is.

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  5. I am a BATI(BACHELOR OF ARTS IN TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION) student in USM~I cannot agree more about c.h.tay have said~~^_^

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  6. Hi to zachary wu and nadira, yes, I couldn't agree more that through studying this course only I know how difficult it is to translate. As for zachary wu, taking translation as minor in USM could be very tough, as you will handle assignments as much as a major student, but in the end, you know you learn more! So, keep it up! As for nadira, it's my pleasure to know someone from my course here!

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  7. Hey i am a student studying A level right now,i am taking english literature in my course but i find it very hard to cope..so i am deciding to drop it.I have interest in languages as well as translation,so i want to ask will I have to learn english literature in the future if i take this course?And can i know more about translation pls?

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  8. Hey Liz, if you studied USM Translations and Interpretations course as majors, you won't meet English literature in your way, unless you took it as your minor. So, do consider taking this course if you really interested in studying languages, especially in Malay language and English. Although many Malaysians think that they can translate, actually they can't in the real definition. As for translation, we convey the original meanings from the first language into the second language, it's not easy as what we thought. We have to consider many factors that would lead to the final word you use after discover the one word can have many matches in the second language. So, you can visit the USM website to learn more about this, or you can ask in details what you want to know more, I will reply here. Enjoy surfing in two seas! ^_^

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  9. wat is d minimum requirements 2 take translation and interpretation??

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  10. Hi. Just to answer your questions. I think the minimum requirement would be to get at least C in all subjects of STPM. I don't know the criteria for Matriculation's students. As statistic shown, although maybe it's not the true fact that half of my coursemates in my batch took Chinese Language or English Literature or Malay Literature in STPM and get at least C. So, maybe you would like to check up this requirement thing at USM website.

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  11. May I know what is the job opportunities of this course? Dear Chia Hooi, could you please give me your address so that I can contact you directly? thank you. My results's out yesterday and I think I may taking those interesting ones... since my cgpa is 3.2 and I think I'm doing so-so.

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  12. wuenwuen, we have course mates that turns out to become teachers, petition writer, professional interpreter, pegawai tadbir dan diplomatik in government service, lecturer, law firm assistant, personal assistant in companies, and lots more... my email: [email protected] looking forward for your mail.

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  13. i agree, since malaysia is a multilanguage country, if you were good, your boss sure loves you!

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  14. Pardon me if I 'm wrong. But I find translating literary text a funny thing to do.Where most of us can't even translate our own feelings into our native languages, translating others point of view in others'language is a wrong approach.

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  15. hey, i'm a biology student here. yet, i'm so attracted by this course, translation and interpretation. may i know that, am i available for applying this course? i didn't take any language subjects in my STPM, except my MUET(band4). looking forward for senior's reply. thnx

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  16. Hi joC, i'm also a bio student myself. Don't worry, just apply! ur chances would be higher if you get 3.0 and above, if not, some of my coursemates got in above 2.67 only. Good luck! Wish you become my future junior!

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  17. So does this mean I can enroll in Interpretation and Translation in USM as my undergrad major when I finish form 6? Thanks in advance.

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  18. yes, just apply with your STPM results, but now things change. U have to buy another PIN to apply for all the courses in USM, please visit the USM website for further information. www.usm.my

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  19. Alright, thanks! Cause actually I just finished form 5 last year. I'm quitting my college after first sem to go into form 6 right now cause I've finally convinced myself I can overcome STPM, since interpretation and translation is what I've always wanted but not offered in private institutions.

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  20. If u r worried abt how to choose the best subjects in STPM, just bear in mind that if u can't do a subject well in SPM, it would be harder in STPM, u might want to skip that subject. GOOD LUCK! always hope to have a lot of juniors joining us! ^_^

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  21. I'm a science stream student but without bio. But now I'll be taking General Knowledge, Business Studies, Chinese Language and Economics. =/ Thank you very much! :) If I may ask, how's the undergrad course to you?

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  22. to anonymous: hey dude!!! im taking chinese language, too!!! ^^
    i took 5 subjects: general paper, chemistry, physics, maths T and BC....

    XD well, its very difficult to find a stud who take chinese language in STPM... glad to meet u~ may i know where u take tuition for the bc??

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  23. Imma gal, fellow Anonymous. Lol. Really? It's rare?! Uhm, I'm registering form 6 late, so I haven't even started yet. Is it difficult? o_O

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  24. This course is quite challenging for those who are weak in BM or English. We would focus in many language aspects as well as the skills to translate and interpret different kind of source texts. so good luck to both of u! i also take chinese. please find a marker to get tuition, as the scope is quite wide for paper 2.

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  25. Thank you very much, Chia Hooi! But we do get to major in languages we want and not just translate/interpret from bm to english or from english to bm right? Ohh, thanks for the tip! Is it possible if I don't get any tuitions? Will it be too tough?

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  26. We don't major any languages in the course, just major in translation and interpretation itself. U can minor other languages beside BM and English, by then only Chinese and Japanese, i heard that now they offered Arabic, so please check at usm website for the latest information.
    If you have a proper chinese class in school, i.e. you have a teacher to teach you, never mind u can forget about tuition. As for me, i didn't have class in school, so had to take tuition to find someone to guide me. It all depends on yourself. ^_^

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  27. O_O But what languages do you guys use when doing translation or interpretation if it's so? USM website hasn't been updated for a while I think. The only undergrad I see in the school of languages is English for something. Ahh, I see. Okay, thank you very much! ;)

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  28. Oh, I'm sorry, this course is under School of Humanities. Languages used in BM and English. As for certain projects or assignments, u can use other languages as ur proof or reference or medium, depends on the requirements.

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  29. Ohh, I saw it. That's bad. It means we're only using BM and English throughout the course of 4 years then. :O Cause I've planned to take English to some other foreign languages. But thank you anyway. You've been a really great help! /bows.

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  30. You can take foreign languages as minor or option courses, but for me, the foreign languages that I have learnt won't be sufficient to use in translation and interpretation upon graduation. Just merely for communication use. Haha... it's pleasure to promote this course as I'm proud to be part of BATI (BA Translation n Interpretation).

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  31. Hi! I just got an offer from USM for BATI. :)

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  32. hi eiza, welcome to the course! hope you enjoy studying it! XD

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  33. can i know what foreign languages that USM offer?

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  34. can i know how to apply USM...i dont know the process...this course is really attract me...i thought only UM that has this course, i mean linguistic...i'm interested in this course since form 1 but no one can give me the information about this course...they are only think about science...i'll apply for this course after my stpm this year...hope my dream come true...

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  35. Hi honey_sah, USM does not offer foreign langauges as major studies, they only offered as minor studies. To apply USM, please go to usm website for further details.

    www.usm.my

    Normally u need to buy a different PIN to apply USM courses apart from the PIN u buy to apply for other universities.

    If you want to study foreign languages as major, UPM and UM offer. Please check other universities also, as from time to time, they will offer new courses.

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  36. what foreign languages that USM offer for minor? how many foreign languages can we take as minor?

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  37. 3 languages offered: arabic, japanese and mandarin (for non primary chinese graduates). For options, korean, russian... etc...

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  38. http://www.hotcourses.com.my/study/course/malaysia/b-hons-translation-and-interpretation-bati/2163763/program.html

    as stated here, RM510 per semester.

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  39. hey Chia Hooi, i'm joC here. just to say thnx for i've got into USM for this course too^^
    thnx for the explanation. all the best, senior^-^

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  40. Hey joC! Welcome to our BATI world! May you find learning translating and interpreting fun and rewarding!

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  41. Hi,

    I am thinking of doing a post-graduate degree on translation. Is there such a course offered here? Thank you :D

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  42. yes, they offered masters program too. pls check at usm website under school of humanities.

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  43. when the date of application for admission to USM for 2012/2013 session?

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  44. how to apply for BATI? someone help me....really helpless right now! especially for 2012/2013 session...

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  45. To honey_sah, for now the application into any courses of USM is closed.

    https://pohon.usm.my/

    Please check this URL when you get your STPM results. You can also read through about this application matter on major newspapers, such as Sin Chew Daily, Utusan or Berita Harian, The Star or New Strait Times.

    For now, good luck in your STPM!

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  46. i'm an english teacher, i do proofreading and translating, part time. i agree with what most of you discussed here .. translating is not for the faint-hearted. anywhere i can do dip. in translating? pls suggest .. contact me at [email protected]. i need to formalise what i am doing now.

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    Replies
    1. Hi there. You can contact Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM) for further training.

      http://www.itnm.com.my/services/training

      Good luck and have fun!

      Delete
  47. Anyone know how to be a certified translator?

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    Replies
    1. Hi there. I suggest you contact Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia (ITBM) for further information.

      http://www.itbm.com.my/contact

      Delete
  48. Hi ! Seniors if i major in foreign language is it okay to take Translation and Intepretion in Minor or what? I took UM but not USM ^^

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  49. There aren't any foreign language offered as major in USM except English. I'm not sure about UM. But I suggest you ask HEP yourself maybe? In my case, a few students of ELLS (English Langauge and Literature Studies) by that time took this as minor to be more skillful in handling English and Malay Language. So, good luck to you!

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  50. Oh Chia Hooi so u mean they are in USM right? ^^ Well thx ! If i wanated to be in this path , if i major foereign language 1st , is that okay?

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  51. Hi, sorry to bother but may i ask how much is the cost for this program? I've tried the link in your previous comment but it says that the content has been deleted. thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi. This is the link to the page of this course. They did not state the fee for the course, but I believe that the fee is bearable as it's a public university. In my time, the fee was RM520 per semester, just for your reference.
      https://humanities.usm.my/index.php/undergraduate-h/programmes/bachelor-of-arts-hons-translation-and-interpretation-studies

      Delete
  52. Hello there. I am waiting for my SPM result and I'm so interested with this translation course. So, I was wondering if I should take STPM or not? Some good advices please :) What's the path after SPM actually to take this course. I really need a bright explanation. Thank you so much :))

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    Replies
    1. Hi there. Either STPM or Matriculation holders can apply for BATI. Good luck!

      Delete
  53. Hi. Just heard about this BATI course at USM. Not much talked abt in school or public abt this course. But i am interested to pursue in this course.Am still waiting for SPM results.
    Please can someone advise, btwn entry level via STPM or MATRICULATION..which one is more solid to be able to grasp the content of BATI studies?
    AND,

    What r the employment prospects like for BATI graduates in M'sia?
    Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Either path (STPM or Matriculation) is good, as BATI introduces a lot of new theories and new view in handling languages, both English and Malay.

      For jobs, it's all up to you. I've friends working as teachers, lecturers, tutors, interpreters, translators, subtitle editors, writers, editors, PR, HR, etc. This course will equip you with the skills and let you explore your own future.

      Delete
  54. Hi,
    I was wondering if i plan to study Bati one day, what course should i be taking in diploma level? I've also heard of something called asasi tesl. Which path is the best in your opinion prior to entering Bati?

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    Replies
    1. I was a student from asasi TESL and now I got offered to be in BaTI this September and yes, it is possible to be in asasi TESL to pursue BaTI for your degree. I'd say it's best to have to pursue to asasi TESL as it is only for a year and the course was so fun as well.

      Delete
  55. Hi i was wondering what are the requirements to take this course?

    ReplyDelete

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