King Abdullah Institute for Translation and Arabization held a translation training course in the workplace from and into Arabic, from Oct 30 to November 3, 2022. The course was presented in the evening time through Zoom by Dr. Sami Fahim, Head of Training Department at KAITA, for fifteen hours spread over five days. The course elaborated on the mechanisms of translation in terms of standardization and preparation of glossaries. Methods of unifying linguistic, cultural and historical concepts were discussed, as well as the standards for excellent interpretation at all levels, and the methods of performance assessment in translation booths. The trainer laid great emphasis on the importance of adhering to the application of translation quality standards.
The program aimed to familiarize participants with the organizational structure of academic translation institutions, the nature of work in the departments of academic translation institutions, and the importance of acquiring the basics and criteria for translating documents, books, and contracts. It also aimed to introduce the mechanisms of establishing translation training centers, designing appropriate training programs for the labor market, measurement of attitudes to the work environment in the translation industry, the effectiveness of workplace training in modifying these attitudes, and designing a feasibility study plan for an applicable project in each field of translation.
Dr. Fahim added that working in the translation industry requires academic qualification, practical expertise, awareness of cultural and cognitive diversity, and specialization in a specific field of knowledge. He also discussed the significance of innovation and creativity in implementing work plans, the use of professional methods for solutions to problems, the use of modern technology, and the search for various sources of information.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ghannam, the institute's Vice Dean for Training, concluded the course by praising the efforts of the university's president and his continuous support for improving competent employees at all levels. He also expressed his appreciation for the participants' attendance and for all staff who contributed to the success of this course.
Based on the results collected from an opinion survey, many trainees expressed the desire to intensify and diversify such important courses, emphasizing its benefit in enabling researchers to know labor market's outputs and needs. They also requested that similar courses be held in the future.
Finally, the trainees expressed their appreciation to the Institute's administration and staff for their efforts.
