Chinese-Spanish translation studies in tertiary institutions in Spain : historical review and future perspectives

Abstract

Chinese is considered by many as 'the language of the future', offering endless opportunities for commercial markets and exchanges on many levels. Nevertheless, studies of Chinese, particularly in translation faculties, have not kept abreast of this new challenge. This paper offers a historical overview of undergraduate and postgraduate Chinese-Spanish translation studies in Spain. The two universities, in Barcelona and Granada, that teach Chinese-Spanish translation are described, as are the subjects that they offer on both their undergraduate courses. The postgraduate course in Barcelona is also outlined. The paper delves into lecturer and student profiles, teaching methodologies, materials available and methods of assessment. A brief analysis of the relationship between the labour market and university training in Spain is offered, and the current state of research in this specific language combination in translation is described. Data for this paper has been drawn from a survey of trainers and postgraduate students of Chinese-Spanish translation in Spain, from academic literature and from the authors' own experience as translators, trainers and researchers. To conclude, the merits and shortcomings both in training and research in Chinese-Spanish translation in Spain are highlighted, and future perspectives in the field are considered