On the translator¿s linguistic competence : Towards a methodology of English for Translation and Interpreting

Abstract

This paper examines and assesses the methodologies and materials used in English language courses within the degrees in Translation and Interpreting at two Spanish universities: the UM and the UCM. The data are analysed and compared with the fundamentals of the notion of TC and those of ESP courses, and these are assessed with the perceptions and judgments of Translation lectures at both universities. This preliminary study suggests that significant differences between both universities can be found, which points to a lack of agreement as to what are the linguistic needs of both translators and interpreters. Moreover, the extent to which each linguistic component needs to be developed appears to remain underresearched. In this sense, no proper methodology of English for Translation and Interpreting exists, and much and in-depth research on the linguistic competence required by translators and interpreters needs to be conducted.