TAMIU Launching New Translation Minor

This fall, Texas A&M International University students will have the opportunity to begin coursework for a minor in English-Spanish Translation at TAMIU.

Dr. Manuel Broncano, TAMIU professor and chair of the Department of Language and Literature, said the offering is ideal for the Laredo region.

“In our bilingual, bicultural community, speaking both English and Spanish is a natural occurrence. Translating from one language into the other is done frequently, but not always correctly. Students will now have the opportunity to study the translation process, learn professional techniques, polish their language skills, and become better equipped to prepare accurate and professional translations,” Dr. Broncano explained.

The first translation course, TRAN 4351, “Introduction to English-Spanish Translation,” will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-8:45 p.m. It will be taught by TAMIU assistant professor Dr. Lola Orellano Norris who, in addition to her doctorate, holds a degree in Translation Studies in German, Spanish and English from the Dolmetscherschule in Zurich, Switzerland. Dr. Norris has also worked as a freelance translator for over 32 years.

TRAN 4351, will provide an introduction to techniques for written and sight translation in a variety of text categories relating to nursing, advertising, commerce, education and politics. It focuses on providing students with tools to identify, analyze, and resolve basic translation problems of short texts, while developing practical translation skills. Prerequisites for enrollment are ENGL 1302 and SPAN 3300. 

Including TRAN 4351, the English-Spanish Translation Minor requires the completion of 18 semester credit hours to include TRAN 4350, Introduction to Spanish-English Translation; TRAN 4360, Intermediate Spanish-English Translation; TRAN 4361 Intermediate English-Spanish Translation and six semester hours of 3000-4000 level Spanish or English courses not previously taken.

For additional information, contact Dr. Norris at 326.2648, by email at lonorris@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Pellegrino Hall 312.

Fall 2011 classes begin Thursday, Aug. 25.

To register, contact the Office of the University Registrar at 326.2250, e-mail registrar@tamiu.edu or go to the University Success Center, room 121.

Complete schedules, catalog and additional registration information is available at tamiu.edu

Additional information is available on uonline.tamiu.edu, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

University summer hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-12 noon on Fridays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu