Multilingual Translation Workshop

Developing professionals in a simulated translation market

Authors

• Kalle Konttinen University of Turku
• Outi Veivo University of Turku
• Tiina Holopainen University of Turku
• Leena Salmi University of Turku

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61200/mikael.129427

Keywords:

translator education, employability, competences, translation company simulation

Abstract

The development of professional identity and expertise are key objectives in translator education. The management and flexible application of translation technology has become a central element of professional qualification. Furthermore, many translators graduating from university programmes will work as entrepreneurs, where success requires abilities and competences not covered by traditional pedagogical solutions. The University of Turku Multilingual Translation Workshop (MTW) is an example of how translator and entrepreneurial competences can be integrated in translator education. It is based on working life simulation where students work in specialized roles in a team and as part of a learning organization. The MTW involves the integration of previously learned skills in practical situations, rapid uptake of new knowledge and skills, and sharing these with others. Student self-evaluations show that, with this integrative pedagogical approach, translator and entrepreneurial competences can improve significantly over a short period of time. The flexibility of the MTW concept offers various possibilities for development and innovation.