An Empirical Analysis of the Contribution of Translation Theory to the Education of Translators: from Preconceptions to Informed Opinion

Abstract

The ongoing debate about the relation between the theory and the practice of translation is the point of departure for the empirical analysis of the role of theoretical modules within translation degree programmes, taking into consideration both the students' point of view and the module descriptions of subjects focusing on translation theory. On the one hand, a thorough review of the module descriptions reveals some mismatches between the content of the respective subjects and students' interests and needs. On the other hand, a contrastive analysis between students' initial ideas and their informed opinion after completing a module on Translation Theory brings about significant changes in their conception of theoretical aspects, at the same time reinforcing the awareness of the interconnection between theory and practice.