Prospectus

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Language Acquisition: Introduction to Legal Translation

Course
2009-2010

Description

Translating legal texts is a difficult, but fascinating exercise. The legal translator has to overcome the same problems confronting any translator. But in addition, legal texts are often complicated and difficult to understand for the layman, which the legal translator often is. Then there are the fundamental differences between Anglo-American law and that of the European Continent. Legal translators have to work accurately and errors may have dire consequences. The translator also needs to be creative, as many Dutch legal terms cannot be found in a dictionary. Naturally, this course cannot teach students to become fully-fledged legal translators. Rather, aim its to gain insight into what happens when one tries to translate texts that are very much culture specific. The teaching consists of lectures and tutorials. In the lectures, we draw a comparison between the legal systems of the Netherlands and England and Wales and the United States, insofar as this comparison is relevant for legal translators. Furthermore, participants are introduced to the theoretical problems involved in legal translation. In the tutorials, we will explore and work with translation tools and translate a variety of legal texts such as contracts, correspondence, deeds, insurance policies, summons and court decisions.

Teaching method

Two-hour seminar per week.

Admission requirements

Students from outside the English Department need to be at Common European Framework level C2 for English and Dutch. Contact the tutors if in doubt.

Course objectives

Students gain an introduction to the theory and practice of Legal Translation, including the legal knowledge needed to make well-founded choices while translating. Furthermore, they are aware of the challenges involved in this particular area of specialist translation. Finally, students improve their translation skills and are able to use appropriate terminology to discuss problems they encounter.

Required reading

  • Barker, D. (2007). Law Made Simple. Oxford: Elsevier.

  • Loonstra, C. (2009). Hoofdlijnen Nederlands Recht. Groningen: Noordhoff.

  • Introduction to Legal Translation: Texts and Assignments. Reader with texts and assignments, available from the Studiepunt Geesteswetenschappen.

Test method

  • Three translations, one of which is presented to the group (30%).

  • Written test with short questions and essay questions 30%).

  • Paper: annotated translation (40%).

Time table

Click here for the timetable

Information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or by mail: English@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Registration

Students can register through U-twist before 15 July. After 15 July students can only register through the Departmental Office.

Blackboard

Yes, background reading, annotated translations, external sources, etc.