Language and Translation Studies, Bachelor's Programme, specialisation Dutch, 180 ECTS

Translation Studies

Do you want to become an interpreter or a translator? Then sign up for a course or a programme in Translation Studies (which comprises interpreting as well as translation) at the Institute for Interpreting and Translation Studies/Tolk- och översättarinstitutet (TÖI). What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator? Interpreters work with oral communication and there are different kinds of interpreters: conference interpreters often work in the EU or the UN, public service interpreters help people communicate with the authorities, and sign language interpreters mediate spoken Swedish and Swedish sign language in various contexts. Working as an interpreter is varied and stimulating, but it can also be taxing and calls for good general knowledge, good language skills, speed, flexibility and a very high ability to concentrate. At the undergraduate level, you can take freestanding courses up to the Bachelor level. TÖI also offers a Bachelor Programme in Sign Language and Interpreting in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics, and TÖI offers a Master’s Programme in Interpreting as well. Translators, on the other hand, work with written communication. Technical or specialised translators translate texts in the areas of engineering, IT, law, economics, medicine and advertising among others. Audiovisual translators work with texts for the cinema or television. Literary translators mediate literary texts. To become a good translator, you need broad general knowledge, good language skills and a very high ability to express yourself in writing, and you also need to be conscientious. At the undergraduate level, you can take freestanding courses in translation up to the Bachelor level. TÖI also offers a Bachelor Programme in Language and Translation in collaboration with various language departments, and TÖI offers a Master’s Programme in Translation as well. Since 2013, there is also a Doctoral Programme in Translation Studies at TÖI.

Careers

Many conference interpreters, public service interpreters and translators work as freelancers. Sign language interpreters are often employed by interpreter centres at county councils. Technical or specialised translators are engaged by public authorities as well as private companies. Literary translators are engaged by publishers and audiovisual translators are mainly engaged by various media companies.

Degrees

You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies by taking freestanding courses amounting to at least 90 credits, combined with 90 credits in other subjects, including at least 60 credits in one language. You can also enrol in a programme:

• Bachelor’s Programme in Sign Language and Interpreting, 180 credits • Bachelor’s Programme in Language and Translation, 180 credits • Master’s Programme in Interpreting, 120 credits • Master’s Programme in Translation, 120 credits

Please note that the courses and programmes at TÖI require well-documented high proficiency in Swedish.

Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands and the northern part of Belgium (Flanders). The language is spoken by a total of 21 million people in the two countries. The terms Flemish and Netherlandish were used previously but are now obsolete given the language union between Flanders and the Netherlands in 1980. In the new Europe, the aim is to have the Netherlands and Flanders form a single linguistic and (it is hoped) cultural unit. The difference between Dutch in Belgium and Dutch in the Netherlands is no greater than the difference between Swedish in Finland and Standard Swedish. Dutch I provides basic skills in spoken and written Dutch and an overview of social structures and literature. At higher levels, students can choose among courses like translation, Afrikaans, medieval culture and society, the Dutch Golden Age and older as well as modern literature. After completing the programme, students may pursue work in translation or with the EU. Linguistic skills in Dutch can also serve as a complement to other studies like political science and business administration.