Translating like a Pro C1
Learning goals:
1. Objective: Introduce the concept of translation and its importance for advanced language learners.
2. Objective: Focus on translating advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.
Review
3. Objective: Apply translation skills to real-life texts.
Resources: Spotify, Movies, Speeches
Learning activities:
Day 1 – Opening Discussion
Begin with a discussion on why translation is an important skill for advanced learners.
Share examples of situations where translation skills can be valuable in real life.
Translation Basics
Define key translation terms such as “source language” and “target language.”
Discuss the challenges of translation, including cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions.
Warm-Up Translation Exercise
Provide a short English text with simple sentences.
Ask students to translate it into their native language.
Review and discuss the translations as a class.
Group Activity: Vocabulary Translation
Divide students into small groups.
Each group receives a list of English words with their definitions.
In their groups, students translate the words into their native language.
Groups share their translations and discuss any discrepancies.
Day 2: Vocabulary and Grammar Translation
Objective: Focus on translating advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.
Review
Recap the key points from Day 1’s lesson on translation.
Vocabulary Translation
Provide a new set of advanced vocabulary words with English definitions.
Ask students to translate these words into their native language individually.
Discuss any difficulties or discrepancies.
Grammar Translation
Present English sentences with complex grammatical structures.
In pairs or small groups, have students translate the sentences into their native language while preserving the grammar.
Share and discuss the translations as a class.
Day 2: Cultural Context in Translation
Objective: Explore the role of cultural context in translation.
Review Homework
Discuss the translations students completed for homework.
Cultural Context in Translation
Present English texts with cultural references, idioms, or expressions.
Have students translate the texts into their native language, considering cultural context.
Discuss translations and cultural explanations as a class.
Group Activity: Cultural Insights
Divide students into groups.
Assign each group a text with cultural references.
Groups research and present the cultural context and translations to the class.
Reflection and Discussion
Engage in a class discussion about the challenges and insights gained regarding cultural context in translation.
Day 3: Real-life Translation Exercise
Objective: Apply translation skills to real-life texts.
Review
Recap the importance of cultural context in translation.
Real-life Translation Exercise
Provide a longer text (e.g., a news article, blog post, or short story) in English.
Ask students to translate the text into their native language.
Encourage them to consider vocabulary, grammar, and cultural nuances.
Share and discuss translations as a class.
Day 3: Conclusion and Application
Objective: Reflect on the week’s lessons and discuss potential applications of translation skills.
Reflect and Discuss
Have students reflect on what they’ve learned about translation techniques, cultural context, and vocabulary/grammar.
Encourage a class discussion on the practical applications of translation skills in various contexts (e.g., career opportunities, hobbies).
Final Translation Exercise
Provide a challenging text for translation.
Students work individually to translate the text into their native language.
Discuss the translations and any unique solutions or challenges encountered.
Conclusion
Summarize key takeaways from the week’s lessons.
Encourage students to continue practicing their translation skills and exploring related topics.