Novice translators’ troubles and the need for innovative translation curricula : Lebanese context

Abstract EN

This paper provides an overview of the curricula in translation programs at the undergraduate level in Lebanon and the need to update these curricula in alignment with the continuously evolving market.

Globalization is very common in both the translation market and the educational sector, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has imposed the need to update these curricula and investigate to which extent the courses offered in some Lebanese universities equip students with what is needed in the changing translation ecosystem, taking into account the new competence-based training trends in the translation market.

Surveys and interviews were conducted with students, teachers, and owners of translation companies to shed light on the obstacles novice translators face when they first embark on their professional journey.

What does the market expect from novice translators? What is missing in translation curricula? And to what extent does this curriculum answer the needs of the translation changing market? It is found that there is a need for some Lebanese universities to reconsider their curricula, mainly focusing on technology and aligning curriculum content with market needs.