A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
The pedagogical value of translation : experiences from a newly introduced elective course (2024)

Károly, A. (2024). The pedagogical value of translation : experiences from a newly introduced elective course. In A. Károly, L. Kokkonen, M. Gerlander, & P. Taalas (Eds.), Driving and embracing change : learning and teaching languages and communication in higher education (pp. 67-98). University of Jyväskylä. JYU Studies, 1. https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-86-0238-5

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Károly, Adrienn

Parent publication: Driving and embracing change : learning and teaching languages and communication in higher education

Parent publication editors: Károly, Adrienn; Kokkonen, Lotta; Gerlander, Maija; Taalas, Peppi

eISBN: 978-952-86-0238-5

Journal or series: JYU Studies

eISSN: 2814-8843

Publication year: 2024

Number in series: 1

Pages range: 67-98

Number of pages in the book: 1 verkkoaineisto (240 sivua)

Publisher: University of Jyväskylä

Place of Publication: Jyväskylä

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-86-0238-5

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/96334

Additional information: Tiivistelmä myös unkariksi

Abstract

With the expansion of nonprofessional translation activities, language education has gradually rediscovered translation and mediation, seeing them not only as useful tools in language learning but also as transferable skills, useful in their own right. However, the pedagogical value of translation, as a practical activity, a theoretical topic, and a subject for critical discussion, has been less explored from the broader perspective of intercultural education, particularly in multicultural classroom settings where English is the shared language. This article reports the findings of a study conducted at a Finnish university on a recently introduced elective course designed and developed by the author. The course, open for both domestic and international students, focuses on translation and culture and has active and collaborative learning at its core. It promotes creativity, critical thinking, and self-reflection through discussions and practical tasks, while also considering the affective layers of meaning as well as broader social, ideological, and ethical dimensions of translation. The research presented here examines the pedagogical value of translation in the first two course implementations. Student data from surveys and reflections explored the participants’ motivations for taking the course, their previous translation experiences, their initial views on translation as an activity and as a future study or career option, along with their individual learning experiences in the course. Student data were complemented by field notes recording my observations, thoughts, and development ideas. The research underscores the benefits of incorporating translation more strongly into multilingual pedagogies that promote intercultural learning. The implications are discussed from the perspectives of professional development and institutional-level curriculum design.

Keywords: translating; pedagogy; multiculturalism; multilingualism; interculturalism; cooperative learning; language-aware education; higher education (teaching)

Free keywords: translation, culture-specific items, critical language awareness, multilingual and multicultural pedagogy, intercultural education, collaborative learning

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 0