The Importance Of Englısh Literature Courses In Translation Educatıon And Its Place In Assocıate Degree Translation Programs In Turkey

Abstract

The basic competence a translation education program aims at providing the students with is that of translation competence. Most translation studies scholars working in the field of translation education have declared four competences to be among the basic indispensable sub competences of “translation competence”; namely, cultural competence, critical reading competence, linguistic competence and critical thinking competence. One of the most effective ways of getting students to acquire these competences is including literature courses in the curricula. When the curricula of Applied English Translation Programs that provide associate degree translation education in Turkey are examined, it is seen that English Literature courses are offered in very few universities and vocational schools. In addition, translator candidates graduating from these associate degree programs can have the right to take the vertical transfer exam and receive undergraduate education in the departments of English Language and Literature, American Culture and Literature where they further specialise in such fields as literature and language. This is another reason why acquisition of literary competence may be one of the intended objectives of these programs. Within the framework of these discussions, drawing from the analysis and comparison of the concept of “translation competence” with the competences provided by literature courses, and the intended program outcomes of Applied English Translation Programs, this research aims at arguing that English literature courses are necessary and useful components of the curricula of these programs.