Better Translation Learning And Teaching

Translation teaching has been one of the important subjects in Translation Studies.Previous researchers in the field mainly focus on how to "teach" well rather than on how to "learn" well,though of course better teaching aims at better learning.The present study,then,focuses on students,learning.The present researcher designed a questionnaire,collected and analyzed data from 73 students who were in their second or third year of pursuing the diploma of Master of Translation and Interpreting in Nanjing University or other four universities(hereinafter called "MTI students").The results from the analyses showed that:1.Most MTI students did not clearly understand the details(such as many terminologies in Translation Studies)of principles of translation.2.Less than 36%of MTI students could "always" ensure a full understanding of original texts,proofreading or reflecting on their translation practices;more than half of MTI students admitted they could find mistakes once they proofread.3.MTI students rated translation materials assigned by teachers as the most helpful and translation tasks entrusted by friends as the least helpful in strengthening their translation competence.4.MTI students rated annotated translation required by teachers on the part of students as the most helpful and general introductions to translation theories as the least helpful,in strengthening their translation competence.These findings will on one hand' serve as alerts for future MTI students when they choose from translation materials of different sources,when they translate,or when they study principles of translation,and provide inspirations for teachers in the adjustment and improvement of their methods/behavior of translation teaching on the other.