Foundations of Translation is an online course designed to prepare candidates for the CIOL DipTrans. It is aimed at:
• language graduates that want to become translators
• language teachers that wish to switch to the translation profession or combine both professions for an extra income stream.
The course is delivered at Master level, and students are expected to have a high command of their foreign language, between C1-C2 level (CEFR), as well an excellent command of their native language.
The suggested timeframe to cover the contents of this course is between 6 to 10 months. This will allow for ample time for consultations and exam revision to guarantee a successful exam result.
Based on the first version of Foundations of Translation® (2020), the course consists of 4 core modules, detailed in the table below. Students should expect a significant update for the 2021 version.
| Module 1: Translation Theory | * What translation is * Why translation theory is about * Language functions, text-categories and text-types * Speech act theory * Implicatures and presuppositions |
| Module 2: Translation Methods and Techniques | * Translation methods: word-for-word, literal, faithful, adaptation, etc. * Translation techniques: borrowing, calque, naturalisation, etc. |
| Module 3: Translation Problems and Strategic Solutions | * Levels of translation * Translation of lexis (proper nouns, organisations, geographical nouns, acronyms, eponyms, abbreviations) * Translation of weight, measures, quantities. * Syntactically weak sentences * Ambiguity |
| Module 4: Translation Practice & Terminology | * Translation of a General Text (U1): analysis of text, translation practice, translator’s notes and annotations * Technical Translation (U2) * Business Translation (U2) * Literary Translation (U2) * Scientific Translation (U3) * Translation in the Social Sciences (U3) * Legal Translation (U3) |
Chartered Linguist Carina Balbo is a professional translator and a foreign language trainer with 25 years’ experience in industry. She is also a professional Assessment specialist working for the major national and international Exam Boards.
An author, speaker, mentor and coach, Carina is also a Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), two the leading translation organisations in the UK.
IMPORTANT: When it opens next, it will only be available for few short days. Register now so you don’t miss out on any of the special VIP bonuses.
FOUNDATIONS OF TRANSLATION® is the leading course for those language geeks that wish to sit the Diploma in Translation and become professional translators.
I had no experience of translation before starting the course and was very worried and nervous about my prospects of passing the DipTrans exam. However, because of all the support, positive feedback and encouragement I have received from Carina, I now feel more confident about it. Carina is very meticulous, methodical and organised and has worked extremely hard to provide us with clear, concise and informative materials. We have also had a lot of really good guidance on further reading, building comprehensive glossaries and even buying the best dictionaries for the exam. The way the course is designed and delivered is excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending Carina as one of the best-placed people to deliver a course like this.
Rana Sh.
This is an interesting and enjoyable course, not only targeted at preparing for the Diploma in Translation, but also useful to learn more about what translation is all about, even if you are not taking the exam. Carina is a knowledgeable and demanding teacher who helps you reach your potential. Her personalised and accessible approach is excellent.
Jane L.
Professionalism and experience reflected in a solid academic Translation Course. Thank you very much!!
Diana M.