European PhD Training Seminar

Financed by the European Union

The European Union has granted the financial means for organising a new EU-High-Level Conference and Training Series on the general topic

Multidimensional Translation – MuTra

The series of conferences and training activity are intended as a follow-on to the 2002-2004 series of high level scientific conferences (cf. www.euroconferences.info) and will consolidate and integrate the theoretical and methodological results of the previous conference series events. The initial conference in the new series with the topic of “Challenges of Multidimensional Translation” will take place in Saarbrücken from 2-6 May 2005, followed by the first training activity:

A European PhD Training Seminar

7-16 May 2005

Saarbrücken, Germany

This research training seminar, by providing a consolidated ‘common core’ framework integrating common characteristics and problems such as the integration of (domain/cultural) knowledge into texts, varying indicators of (electronic) textuality (e.g. coherence, information sequence, isotopies) and translation methodologies ‘under constraint’ (e.g. time/place constraints and media restrictions and/or opportunities), will make multidimensional translation tasks across subfields of translation accessible for young researchers in the form of a systematic and sustainable cohesive training course.

Background

Translation & Interpreting is a key global activity today and sets the stage for cross-cultural knowledge transfer and intercultural communication. It is of particular urgency in an enlarged European Union where translation and interpreting services have increased after May 1st, 2004, from 110 language combinations to 462.

Against the background of a fragmented translation research profile with little cross-fertilization between its multiple dimensions of intralingual, interlingual translation and intersemiotic translation, new technologies have transformed one-dimensional translation tasks (spoken-to-spoken/written-to-written modes) into multidimensional communication scenarios.

Modern translation tasks cut across the traditional interlingual, intralingual and intersemiotic categories and typically integrate modern technologies in coping with such challenges as cross-cultural knowledge management in LSP communication, transferring linear to non-linear texts (‘hypertext’), switching from spoken to written modes (subtitling) as well as considering the accessibility to information for audiences such as the blind and hearing impaired communities (audio description, written interpretation). The boundaries between translation, interpreting and multilingual communication are becoming increasingly blurred and multidimensional language competencies are required to meet modern multilingual communication challenges in an enlarging Europe.

Seminar Objectives

The PhD training seminar will address the multiple (multilingual, multimedia, multimodal and polysemiotic) dimensions of modern translation and investigate the impact of modern technologies on the form, content, structure and modes of translation and interpretation. It will integrate research in LSP communication & cross-cultural knowledge management, media translation and interpretation as well as technical translation.
Specific objectives are

1) to draw attention to common problem and research areas in all of these multiple dimensions relative to the theoretical standards of cross-cultural knowledge integration into text, electronic textuality (coherence, information sequencing, isotopic continuity) and translation methodologies and

2) to train young researchers in the respective research and training methods (including international project management) to enhance their professional and research competence as language and cultural experts and translators.

The Program

The intensive training seminar in multidimensional translation will include the following sessions:

1. Research Topics arising from dissertation projects in progress: Presentation and discussion plus research methodology tutorials/seminars

The focus here is on the early stage researchers presenting the state of the art of his/her dissertation project und problems related to it. While local research seminars focus on the individual early stage researcher in close interaction with his/her supervisor, this training module focuses on collective problems, reports and results with a strong young researcher-expert interaction.

2. Research design and research methods

This thematic session is designed to familiarize the young researchers with a broad spectrum of traditional research methods and innovative teaching techniques which are otherwise beyond the scope of their dissertation projects with the objective of preparing them sufficiently for future research and teaching tasks.

3. Multidimensional workshops

Three multidimensional translation workshops are the crucial part of the training. The workshops will deal with the following three research fields:
· Translation Theory & Methodology
· Media Translation
· Technical Translation

Who can Apply?

The European PhD School is open to young scientists with the following qualifications:
· Resident of a EU member state (for detailed information do not hesitate to contact us)
· Not older than 35 years
· Completed M.A.-degree or close to completion
· Fluency in English (knowledge of German helpful)
· PhD preparatory work

Applications should include:
·Name
·Address
·E-mail address
·Departmental, institutional and/or occupational affiliation(s)
·Name of dissertation advisor
·Name and description of candidate’s doctoral project, including background and rationale for selecting the topic; overall structure; theoretical background; and list of the relevant literature
·Progress report to date (Note: this is not meant to exclude projects that are still in their early stages.)
·Candidate’s expectations of the MUTRA PhD School and their potential contribution to the project
·Other scholarships received in relation to this project
·Brief explanation as to why a scholarship is needed

Please attach:
· Short curriculum vitae, focusing on professional and academic background
· List of publications, if any
· Letter of recommendation from your dissertation advisor (if possible)

EU Support for Young Researchers

The European Union generously supports the high-level conference and training series. In addition to financial support for young researchers participating in the conferences, the EU will fund up to 20 scholarship grants for eligible young researchers to attend the 10-day research training seminar.

Scholarship Grants

The scholarship grants provided by the European Union cover up to:

€ 1 800 (for registration fee, accommodation and subsistence and travel costs)

Further information on the conditions to qualify for this grant will follow in the Second Circular or contact us:

info@euroconferences.info

Registration and Fees

Fees: The registration fee is 600 € to be paid to:

SPARKASSE SAARBRÜCKEN
BLZ 590 501 01 (FAKFDE55)
Account No. 83 14 17 88
IBAN: DE 29 590 501 01 00 83 14 17 88

This fee includes:
                        participation in the 10-day-translation research seminar
                        training materials
                        refreshments during coffee breaks

Registration is only valid upon receipt of the fee.

PLEASE INFORM YOUR BANK THAT ALL CHARGES RESULTING FROM INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFER HAVE TO BE BORN BY THE PARTICIPANT OF THE TRAINING COURSE!

Deadlines: Registration deadline is 1 March 2005. As the number of scholarships for young researchers is limited, young scholars are encouraged to submit their registration as early as possible.

Travel & Accommodations

Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements. We will make your hotel reservations for you since there is another large conference in Saarbrücken in May and hotel rooms are extremely scarce. We have pre-reserved rooms in several price categories:
  • Youth Hostel                  (20-30€)
  • Inexpensive hotels         (50€)
  • Middle class hotels         (50-70€)
  • More expensive hotels    (70-95€)
Please contact Sonja Karb at info@euroconferences.info with your accommodation requirements and travel dates.

Contact Details

Advanced Translation Research Center (ATRC)

Prof. Dr. Heidrun Gerzymisch-Arbogast
Saarland University
Tel.: +49 (0)681 302-4248
+49 (0)681 302-4133
Postfach 15 11 50
D-66041 Saarbrücken
www.atrc.de

Download Circular

Download Registration Form