The Language Professions

This course provides an overview of the translation industry landscape from both a local and global perspective. Students will gain an understanding of how translators and interpreters adapt to rapid changes in a dynamic profession, engaging in a wide array of business interactions with colleagues, clients, and companies in a competitive marketplace. Students will acquire practical skills in how to start and run a business, conduct due diligence, assess contracts and NDAs, cultivate a professional community of practice, and approach prospective employers and clients. The course will explore how digital technologies are changing the nature of translation work and how economic trends are altering translators¿ access to resources, information, options, and bargaining power. Students will become familiar with analytical approaches that will enable them to negotiate strategically with diverse stakeholders in the language services industry. As a final project students will develop personal strategic plans for their translation practice.