Daugavpils University

Translator, Interpreter

The aim:The aim of the study programme is to train highly qualified specialists who would work as professional translators and interpreters in state and local authority institutions, EU institutions, enterprises, joint ventures, firms, translation bureaus, culture, sports and other institutions, establishments, information, science, technology fields wherever the services of a highly qualified translators and interpreters are required.

The tasks:

• To ensure theoretical and practical qualification of the students in order to be able to enter successfully the Latvian and European labour market;
• To give students an opportunity to become educated in oral and written translation from and to second foreign languages; To give students a possibility to acquire theoretical, professional knowledge and practical skills in the translation of various texts (economic, legal, scientific, technical, publicistic) in chosen two foreign languages;
• To provide students with the opportunity to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills in interpreting;
• To ensure a possibility of practical application of the latest information communication technologies in study work;
• To form and develop specific skills required in professional translator’s and interpreter’s work;
• To develop students communicative competence;
• To promote the graduates’ competitiveness;
• To promote cooperation between students and potential employers;
• To develop ties and cooperation with Latvian higher education institutions where similar study programmes are being realized.

During the studies, students have improved their existing new knowledge, skills and competences in foreign languages in the fiels of translation and interpretation.

Knowledge:

• Able to demonstrante deep knowledge in translation theory, lexicography, terminology, interculturalcompetence, text theory and analysis, comparative aspects;

• able to demonstrate expanded knowledge of their native language, its orthography and punctuation, lexicology, syntax and style;
• able to demonstrate expanded knowledge of the text type, translation methods, approaches, strategies and types of modifications
• able to demonstrate expanded knowledge of translation technology and translation transformation methods;
• able to show deep knowledge in second foreign language (German, Swedish, French, Spanish, Polish, Russian, or English);
• able to demonstrate expanded knowledge of topical developments in Latvian and in the world, as well as the latest findings in culture, psycholinguistics, psychology, etc.

Skills:

• Able to use independently practical translation skills in economic and business, legal, scientific, technical, publicistic text translation.
• able to independently use the electronic media and new technologies;

• able to analyze and solve translation problems of the text;
• able to process and edit written translation;
• able to independently use the skills of the listener, speaker, writer, reader’s culture;
• able to use their own theories, methods, and problem solving skills in consecutive, simultaneous interpreting
• able to independently carry out scientific research work on master’s thesis;
• able to understand the interrelated work processes of executing order and the rational organization;
• able to work independently with documentation;
• able to explain with arguments and discuss the complex aspects of the translation industry.

Competence:

• Able to constructively and correctly communicate with people;
• able to respect the employer’s requirements and comply with an interpreter and translator professional ethics
• able to answer for accuracy and correctness of personal work
• able to independently make decisions within their competence;
• participation in the seminārs and conferences, which are connected with professional  development;
• able to critically evaluate professional skills and abilities,
• able to identify the most current trends in the field of translation;
• able to adapt to new, non-standard situations