Translation Theory & Practice:
Songs & Lyrics
Prof. Ellwood Wiggins
This course will introduce you to the art and science of translation. We will read articles and essays in translation theory from the eighteenth century to today, and we will test out the theorists’ ideas concretely through workshopping group and individual translations of song lyrics. Each week will have four components: we’ll read and discuss an article on translation; we’ll work on the translation of one song together (literal and stylistic); students will choose their own song to translate (literal and stylistic); and finally we’ll workshop your individual translations in a small group. By the end of the quarter, you will have a portfolio of workshopped lyrics to showcase your skills and artistic choices as translator.
-
-
- Readings and Discussion in English
- Song Lyrics in students' chosen source language (e.g., German, Russian, Spanish, Mandarin, etc.)
- Students will work in workshop groups of their common source language
-
Learning goals: By the end of the quarter, students will be able to:
- Evaluate different theories and goals of translation from 1800 to the present
- Improve accuracy and style of translation
- Practice different types of translation: literal, stylistic, functional, paraphrase, adaptation, etc.
- Learn how to translate cultural contexts as well as linguistic texts.
- Gain skills in providing positive, constructive feedback in translation workshop sessions.
Music has proven to be one of the most effective tools in language learning. Attentive listening to songs helps learners improve their comprehension skills and pronunciation. Even the passive consumption of songs familiarizes hearers with grammar patterns and idiomatic speech, and facilitates the important process of giving students a “natural sense” for the language. Best of all, good music makes you want to understand the lyrics: songs make learning interesting and fun.