The Importance of Collaborative Discourse Analysis in the Training of Novice Translators

Abstract

This paper outlines the key aspects of effective translator training regarding content, method and assessment drawing on a growing field of research in Translation Studies. The training of translators—whether in the professional or in the Bible translation context—should be influenced by the demands of the field as well as the profile of the students and therefore focus on the most required and most often lacking competencies in novice translators. The author suggests that collaborative discourse analysis is particularly beneficial in the training of beginner translators as it hones their skills in self-reflection, in handling discourse level translation problems, in providing a contrastive analysis of the SL and the TL and in correcting their most common translation errors. In addition, this method provides the learners with the opportunity to grow in teamwork and interpersonal skills which are also crucial competencies for a translator.