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Translation Program

مواقع جامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا > كلية العلوم الانسانية والاجتماعية > English Department > Translation Program

Translation Program

About

Translation is believed to be the tool of communication and knowledge transfer among nations who come from different origins and speak different languages. This gives translation a positive value and importance in the globe where Yemen is no exception. In 1996, University of Science and Technology, therefore, embarked the Translation Program to equip the Yemeni students with translation competences to contribute to rendering useful knowledge and technology from the international language (English) into Arabic and vice versa. The program was developed for the first time in 2003. Based on the program review, the program needed to emphasize more on translation skill courses, as a result, a number of translation skill courses were added. This is the second development of the program that was done on a survey of stakeholders that revealed key knowledge areas that need to be enhanced and developed.

Academic Standards: 

  1. National Academic Reference Standards (NARS)
  2. Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA)

History and Achievements

The Translation Program in the Department of English at the University of Science and Technology (UST) is a specialized academic program established with the aim of preparing qualified professionals in the fields of written and interpreting translation. The program contributes to supporting knowledge transfer and strengthening scientific and cultural communication between Yemen and the wider world. Its establishment was driven by the growing national need for professional translators capable of handling specialized texts across diverse fields and keeping pace with global developments in translation studies and multilingual communication.

Since its inception, the program has adopted an educational vision that integrates theoretical academic preparation with practical professional training. Its role extends beyond offering traditional coursework to encompass a comprehensive system of academic and training activities designed to develop the skills of both students and academic staff.

First: Training and Professional Skills Development

The department has continuously organized and implemented a range of specialized training courses aimed at enhancing students’ competencies and preparing them for the labor market. Key areas include:
  • Specialized written translation training in legal, medical, media, and technical translation, enabling students to work effectively with different types of professional texts.
  • Training in simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, with a focus on active listening, note-taking, stress management, and professional performance strategies during oral translation.
  • Training in the use of modern translation technologies, including Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools, terminology management, and specialized online research techniques.

Academic staff have also benefited from internal and external professional development programs focusing on innovative teaching methodologies, the integration of educational technology, and the enhancement of student assessment practices in translation courses.

Second: Scientific Workshops and Academic Activities

The department has given special attention to organizing scientific workshops that contribute to building an active learning community within the program. Prominent activities include:
  • Organizing periodic exhibitions showcasing students’ translations of technical, scientific, and commercial texts, accompanied by analyses of real-world translation challenges and discussions of appropriate translation strategies.
  • Annual celebrations of International Translation Day through scholarly lectures, student competitions, and practical presentations.

These activities have contributed significantly to fostering collaborative learning, developing students’ critical thinking skills, and linking theoretical knowledge with professional practice.

Third: Educational Visits and Engagement with the Labor Market

Recognizing the importance of experiential learning, the department has organized a number of educational visits aimed at familiarizing students with real-world work environments. These activities include:
  • Visits to media institutions, translation centers, and international relations offices to gain insight into professional translation practices.
  • Meetings with professional translators and program alumni working in local and international organizations to exchange professional experiences.
  • Student participation in cultural events and scientific exhibitions to strengthen intercultural communication skills.
  • Hosting translation experts and practitioners to deliver specialized lectures on labor market requirements and employment opportunities.

These initiatives have helped bridge the gap between university education and professional practice, while enhancing graduates’ readiness to enter the workforce.

Fourth: Supporting Scientific Research and Program Development

The program’s role extends beyond teaching and training to supporting scientific research in translation studies. The department has encouraged:
  • Student research on contemporary translation issues.
  • Scientific reading circles focusing on the latest studies in translation and applied linguistics.
  • Continuous development of curricula in line with quality assurance standards and academic accreditation requirements.
  • The establishment of graduate programs in translation in response to academic developments and societal needs.
  • Faculty participation in local and international conferences and scientific workshops.

Fifth: The Program’s Academic and Community Impact

The Translation Program has contributed to preparing generations of graduates who work in a wide range of sectors, including:
  • Written translation and interpreting.
  • Media and journalism.
  • International and humanitarian organizations.
  • Higher education and scientific research.
  • Business and international relations.
The program has also strengthened the university’s role in community service through participation in cultural and translation-related activities and scientific initiatives that promote knowledge dissemination and the exchange of expertise.
Through these sustained efforts, the Translation Program in the Department of English at the University of Science and Technology (UST) has become an educational model that combines academic excellence, professional preparation, and community engagement, reinforcing its position as one of the leading translation education programs in Yemen.

Mission

To prepare qualified translators by equipping students with translation competences through professional staff using up-to-date teaching and training methods to offer community service and meet the local and regional market demand.

Objectives

  • Enhancing students’ communicative competence in academic and professional contexts.
  • Developing students’ linguistic and intercultural competence to enable effective translation and interpreting of diverse text types between English and Arabic.
  • Introducing students to the fundamental principles and methodologies of scientific research.
  • Strengthening engagement and collaboration with local community institutions and organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the undergraduate Translation Program, the graduates will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

A1: Show cultural and linguistic awareness of English and Arabic.

A2: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and research methods related to translation and interpreting.

Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills:

B1: Compare the linguistic and cultural components between English and Arabic. 

B2: Analyze a wide range of translation theories to deal with problems in translation and interpreting.

Practical and Professional Skills:

C1: Communicate effectively in both spoken and written discourse.

C2: Implement various translation strategies and small-scale research methods utilizing recent technology.

General and Transferable Skills:

D1: Work independently and collectively with a strong self-direction to long-life learning and professional ethics. 

D2: Plan, organize, and develop projects and medium scale enterprises with due attention to time and resources management and technology.

Graduate Attributes

    1. Knowledgeable: Demonstrate knowledge in various subject areas of translation and interpreting between English and Arabic.
    2. Good communicator: Communicate successfully orally and in writing in different work settings in English and Arabic.
    3. Analyst: Be able to critically analyze similarities and dissimilarities at all linguistic levels between English and Arabic languages.
    4. Creative: Show critical and innovative problem-solving skills.
    5. Assessor: Be able to examine and make use of a wide range of issues concerning social, cultural, regulatory and ethical aspects related to the fields of translation and interpreting.
    6. Professional: Produce adequate translations utilizing modern technology to meet the market demand in both English and Arabic.
    7. Researcher: Conduct scientific research in the fields of translation and interpreting.
    8. Lifelong Learner: Be able to learn voluntarily and pursue knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. 

Graduation Requirements

  • Successful completion of all courses required for graduation in the study plan.
  • Fulfilling the minimum period required for obtaining the degree and not exceeding the maximum number of years stipulated in the academic regulations of the credit‑hour system.
  • For transfer students, completing no less than 50% of the total credit hours required for graduation according to the approved study plan at the time of admission to the university.
  • Completion of field training requirements.
  • Completion of the graduation project requirements.

Knowledge Domains

  • Translation Theory and Studies
    Core concepts, models, and approaches in translation studies, including equivalence, functionalism, skopos theory, and contemporary trends.
  • Interpreting Studies
    Principles and practices of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, including cognitive processes, note‑taking techniques, and ethics of interpreting.
  • Contrastive Linguistics (English–Arabic)
    Structural, semantic, and pragmatic differences between English and Arabic and their implications for translation and interpreting.
  • Applied Linguistics for Translation
    Language acquisition, discourse analysis, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics as they relate to translation performance.
  • Specialized Translation Domains
    Translation of legal, medical, technical, media, scientific, and economic texts, with emphasis on terminology and genre conventions.
  • Terminology Management and Lexicography
    Principles of terminology theory, bilingual terminology development, and management of terminological databases.
  • Translation Technology and Digital Tools
    Computer‑assisted translation (CAT) tools, machine translation, post‑editing, localization, corpus‑based translation, and digital workflows.
  • Research Methods in Translation Studies
    Qualitative and quantitative research methods, academic writing, and critical analysis in translation and applied linguistics.
  • Cultural and Intercultural Studies
    Cultural mediation, intercultural communication, ideology, and the role of culture in translation between English‑ and Arabic‑speaking contexts.
  • Professional Practice and Ethics
    Translation project management, quality assurance, professional standards, ethics, and the translation market.
  • Media and Audiovisual Translation
    Subtitling, dubbing, voice‑over, and translation for digital and broadcast media.
  • Community and Institutional Translation
    Translation in public services, NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and institutional contexts.

Job Opportunities

  • Professional Translator (Written Translation)
    Working in legal, medical, technical, media, or literary translation.

  • Interpreter (Simultaneous or Consecutive)
    Serving in conferences, courts, hospitals, diplomatic meetings, and international events.

  • Media Translator and Subtitler
    Translating news, documentaries, films, and digital media content for TV channels and online platforms.

  • Localization Specialist
    Adapting software, websites, mobile applications, and digital products for Arabic–English markets.

  • Language Editor and Proofreader
    Editing and revising translated texts to ensure linguistic accuracy, clarity, and stylistic consistency.

  • Translator in International and Humanitarian Organizations
    Working with the UN, NGOs, and international agencies on reports, field communication, and advocacy materials.

  • Academic or Research Assistant in Translation Studies
    Assisting in teaching, research, and curriculum development at universities and research centers.

  • Terminologist or Language Data Specialist
    Managing bilingual terminology databases and supporting translation quality in institutions and companies.

  • Corporate Communications or International Relations Officer
    Handling bilingual correspondence, reports, and cross‑cultural communication in businesses and organizations.

  • Freelance Translator or Language Service Provider
    Offering independent translation and interpreting services locally and internationally.

 

Study Plan

Study Schedules

Exams Schedules

Students

Staff