The 21st century is said to be the age of translation as both globalization and technology advances increase the demand for multilingual products and services. In Japan right now there is continuing demand for Japanese speakers to translate into English because the number of foreigners able to understand Japanese at the very high levels required for translation is still relatively low. Why not take this opportunity to get hooked into a fast-growing profession, and one that is portable?

The course will first focus on improving your English writing skills, which is essential for translation. Then, targeted exercises will clarify the dangers of direct translation. The course will mostly cover texts from the area most affected by globalization, business, although particular fields such as marketing, fashion, and finance are included. Translation in each field has its specific characteristics and pitfalls and the course will illustrate these. Translation courses in Japan are often taught in Japanese, but this course is given in English as the purpose is to get used to thinking in English as much as possible. Of course, difficult concepts will be explained in Japanese when English skills are lacking.

The instructor will give students short texts to translate, which they will send to the instructor by email. He will print out the translation for the following class and go over the various interpretations. Model translations will be provided form time to time.