MA BUSINESS TRANSLATION AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

Program Overview

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The MA in Business Translation and Intercultural Communication (BTIC) is a collaborative program between Maynooth University and the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. It equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the international business environment, particularly in the field of applied translation. The program combines translation studies with intercultural communication and business-related modules, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances and practical aspects of international business communication.

Program Outline

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MA Business Translation and Intercultural Communication in English and Spanish

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The MA in Business Translation and Intercultural Communication (BTIC) is a collaborative program between Maynooth University and the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. It focuses on equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the international business environment, particularly in the field of applied translation. The program combines translation studies with intercultural communication and business-related modules, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances and practical aspects of international business communication.

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Objectives:

• To develop students' translation skills in English and Spanish, focusing on the practical application of these skills in a business context.
• To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of cross-cultural communication and the ability to navigate intercultural challenges effectively.
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the international business environment, including the ability to negotiate, collaborate, and communicate effectively across cultures.

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Program Description:

The MA BTIC program is a one-and-a-half-year full-time program divided into three components:

• Semester 1 at Maynooth University: Students take modules in Translation and Business, gaining a strong foundation in translation theory and practice, as well as an understanding of the key features of international business communication.
• Semester 2 at the University of Deusto: Students take modules that complement and expand on the knowledge and skills acquired in the first semester, including modules in specialized areas of translation, intercultural communication, and business negotiation.
• Work Placement: Students complete a three-month work placement at a company or organization located in Ireland or Spain, applying their translation and intercultural communication skills in a real-world setting.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The MA BTIC program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Translation Theory and Practice: Students learn about the history, principles, and methods of translation, focusing on the practical application of these skills in a business context.
• Intercultural Communication: Students develop an understanding of different cultures and their impact on communication, negotiation, and business practices.
• Business Communication: Students learn how to communicate effectively in a business setting, including writing reports, emails, and presentations.
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Students develop the skills necessary to negotiate effectively across cultures and find solutions to intercultural conflicts.
• Specialized Translation: Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of translation, such as legal, financial, or technical translation.

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Course Schedule:

• Semester 1:
• Introduction to Translation Studies
• Introduction to Business Communication
• Economic Translation
• Legal Translation
• Spanish for Business
• Semester 2:
• Advanced Translation Theory and Practice
• Intercultural Communication
• Business Negotiation
• Specialized Translation (chosen by the student)
• Spanish for Business (advanced)
• Work Placement:
• Introduction to Business Communication: This module introduces students to the key features of business communication, including writing reports, emails, and presentations, and emphasizes the importance of effective communication in the international business environment.
• Economic Translation: This module focuses on the specialized language and terminology used in the field of economics and finance, and equips students with the skills necessary to translate economic documents accurately and effectively.
• Legal Translation: This module introduces students to the specialized language and terminology used in legal documents, and equips them with the skills necessary to translate legal documents accurately and effectively.
• Spanish for Business: This module focuses on developing students' Spanish language skills in a business context, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation relevant to business communication.
• Advanced Translation Theory and Practice: This module builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Introduction to Translation Studies module, focusing on more complex translation issues and techniques.
• Intercultural Communication: This module examines the impact of culture on communication, including verbal and nonverbal communication, and provides students with the skills necessary to navigate intercultural challenges effectively.
• Specialized Translation: This module allows students to choose a specific area of translation to specialize in, such as legal, financial, or technical translation.
Students will focus on developing the specialized vocabulary and skills required for their chosen area of expertise.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Assessment methods in the MA BTIC program include:

• Examinations: Some modules may include traditional written examinations, typically at the end of the semester.
• Coursework: Students are typically required to complete a variety of coursework, such as essays, presentations, and translation exercises, throughout the program.
• Work Placement: Students are assessed on their performance during their work placement through a variety of methods, including supervisor evaluations, reports, and presentations.
• Viva Voce Examination: Following the completion of the work placement, students participate in a viva voce examination, where they are questioned on their experience and learning during the program.

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Assessment Criteria:

Assessment criteria in the MA BTIC program vary depending on the specific assessment method used. However, general criteria include:

• Effective communication in a business context: Students' ability to communicate effectively in a business setting is assessed through written and oral assessments, including presentations and negotiations.
• Application of knowledge and skills in a work placement setting: Students' ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the program is assessed through their performance during their work placement.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The MA BTIC program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to new concepts and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars: Seminars provide students with opportunities to discuss readings, engage in group work, and apply their knowledge to real-world case studies.
• Translation workshops: Translation workshops provide students with hands-on experience in translating a variety of texts, with feedback from experienced translators.
• Guest lectures: Guest lectures from industry professionals provide students with insights into the practical application of translation and intercultural communication skills in the business world.
• Work placement: The work placement provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, under the guidance of a supervisor.

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Faculty:

The MA BTIC program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members from Maynooth University and the University of Deusto. The faculty members have expertise in translation studies, intercultural communication, business communication, and a variety of specialized subject areas.

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Unique Approaches:

The MA BTIC program offers several unique features, including:

• Immersion in two cultures: Students experience immersion in both Irish and Spanish cultures, which provides them with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances that impact communication and business practices.
• Collaboration with industry: The program has strong connections with industry, which provides students with opportunities for internships, work placements, and networking with potential employers.
• Focus on practical application: The program emphasizes the practical application of translation and intercultural communication skills, preparing students for the demands of the international business environment.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

The MA BTIC program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in the international business environment, including:

• Translator: Graduates can work as freelance or in-house translators, translating documents, websites, and other materials between English and Spanish.
• Interpreter: Graduates can work as interpreters, facilitating communication between people who speak different languages in business meetings, conferences, and other settings.
• International Business Consultant: Graduates can work as international business consultants, advising companies on cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and market entry strategies.
• Localization Specialist: Graduates can work as localization specialists, adapting products and services for different cultural markets.
• Cross-Cultural Trainer: Graduates can work as cross-cultural trainers, providing training to individuals and organizations on cultural awareness and sensitivity.

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the MA BTIC program are well-positioned for a variety of career opportunities in the following sectors:

• Translation and Interpreting Agencies: Graduates can work as freelance or in-house translators or interpreters for translation and interpreting agencies that serve clients in a variety of industries.
• Multinational Corporations: Graduates can work for multinational corporations in various roles, including translator, interpreter, international business consultant, and localization specialist.
• International Organizations: Graduates can work for international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, in roles that require translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Government Agencies: Graduates can work for government agencies that deal with international relations, trade, and development, where their translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural communication skills are essential.

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the MA BTIC program have been successful in securing employment in various sectors, including:

• Translation and Interpreting Agencies
• Multinational Corporations
• International Organizations
• Government Agencies
• Non-profit Organizations
• Educational Institutions
• Language Requirements: Applicants must have a recognized primary degree which is considered equivalent to an Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).
Applicants must be able to demonstrate linguistic proficiency in both English and Spanish commensurate with CEFR level C1.1.
• Duration: 1.5 years full-time
• Application Deadline: The application deadline is 30 June each year.