Diversification in the translation studies programme

With the new degree programme co-operation between working languages in translation studies is set to increase.

Autumn 2009 will see the startup of a new degree programme in multilingual communication and translation studies. The idea is to intensify co-operation between working languages and to enable the students to benefit from more teaching expertise.

According to Amanuensis Kati Lampinen responsible for study affairs in the School of Modern Languages and Translation Studies the degree programme signals a shift from the conventional division by language to a more integrated way of studying. Co-operation between the various working languages in translation studies will increase.

Multilingualism and the potential for making use of it will increase as it will be possible for students to derive benefit from teachers' expertise over language borders. For example, in the future it will be possible for all students to study literary translation whatever their working languages are. This also means that the resources of the department are used more efficiently.

Kati Lampinen also believes that it is important for the students to have more opportunities for specialization.

On the degree programme in multilingual communication and translation studies master's students can elect to specialize in the translation of law and administration, technology, literature and audiovisual translation or interpreting. The range of possible careers goes from conference and interpreting services to the translation into Finnish of literature, marketing communications and TV subtitles.

In autumn 2009, 45 new students are to be recruited for the degree programme, of whom between 15 and 20 will take English as their ‘B' language, between 10 and 15 will take German and between 10 and 15 will take Russian. The ‘A' language for all students is Finnish.

The School of Modern Languages and Translation Studies has produced its own brochure on the degree programme.

Text Taina Repo
Translation Virginia Mattila
Photo Pasi Järvenpää