The Department of French at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with CATRIM Consulting in Côte d'Ivoire, has organised a Capacity-Building Seminar on Translation and Interpretation themed, "Translation and Interpretation as Strategic Tools for Organizational Growth."
The event emphasised the significance of translation and interpretation in society and marked the launch of the "Professional Training in Translation and Interpretation Initiative" by the Department of French and CATRIM Consulting.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Head of the Department of French, Prof. Mawuloe K. Kodah, stated that the seminar was the second under the partnership between CATRIM Consulting and the Department of French.
He indicated that the programme was designed to equip language professionals with the necessary skills to become effective translators and interpreters.
"This is the time to learn from seasoned professionals and network," he emphasized.
Head of the Department (HOD) of French, Prof. Mawuloe K. Kodah
Speaking at the event, Mr. Timothy Kwakuvi Wodokpoe, General Secretary of the Ghana Association of Translators and Interpreters (GATI), described the event as a strategic investment in translators and interpreters' collective future, also commended the Department for the initiative.
"In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to bridge inter-linguistic differences is very important. GATI is more than pleased to be associated with this programme, and we are committed to supporting it," he added.
He further emphasized the practical impact of translation, saying expert translators in legal proceedings, for example, could ensure a fair trial, or having translators in hospitals could ensure effective medical proceedings.
The keynoter for the seminar, Mr. Ofosu Addo-Danquah, a retired Senior Lecturer in African and French Literature, Civilisations, and Translation Studies speaking on "Skill Sets of Bilingual Employees outlined the essential principles of translation.
He mentioned accuracy and fidelity, context and purpose, consistency and clarity, as well as natural language and fluency as important range of skills translators must possess.
Keynoter for the seminar, Mr. Ofosu Addo-Danquah
"Every translator should have these skills, which include linguistic, technical, and soft skills, as well as cultural and subject matter expertise," he stressed.
A former Vice-Chancellor of UCC, Prof. Domwini Dabire Kuupole, officially launched the Professional Training in Translation and Interpretation Initiative.
He explained that the programme was aimed at producing translators and interpreters for international languages such as French, English, and Chinese, as well as indigenous languages like Akan, Ewe, and Ga.
Participants in the seminar were taken through different themes including; ‘Simultaneous Interpretation of conversations with clients in a business meeting’, ‘Techniques for effective in-house translation’ and ‘Workplace Translation Resources.’ There was also a panel discussion which focused on “Building Vocabulary in Corporate English/French.”
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC