Translating into creativity

After reaching a high level of proficiency in a language, many people feel stuck. It can become hard to learn what’s needed to get to the next level. But there are several master’s degrees available to help students achieve a specific objective or career goal.

For example, the master of arts in translation and bilingual communication (MA TBC) at the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) attracts students who want to hone their translation and interpretation skills and, thereby, advance their career opportunities. It’s also useful for those who want to change fields, or simply become more proficient.

“If you want to enhance your English skills, this programme will bring you a number of benefits,” explains Janice Jun Pan, assistant professor for the translation programme at HKBU’s department of English language and literature.

The degree course consists of three streams. One covers consecutive, simultaneous, and conference interpreting. The practical stream has a stronger focus on translation, with some interpreting. The research stream is for students who want to go on to do a PhD.

The new interpreting course was launched last year to satisfy demand, and it has proved very popular. Pan, who is also director of the MA TBC programme, says the three streams are not ironclad.

Students may be able to switch streams if they have a good reason, although no one has needed to do this so far. The training usually involves translating between English and Cantonese or Putonghua. At the beginning, students practise switching between their mother tongue and their first foreign language, then their second foreign language, progressing from the easier task to the more difficult one.

Even students who are native speakers have something to learn. Experienced students still need to pick up strategic competence. For example, they should develop a strategy for how and when to switch languages. They must learn about best practices, and further develop an encyclopaedic knowledge.