Department of French

Paper FR B2

Translation from French and Oral B

• Translation from French
• Oral
• Download the 2009 exam paper

Translation

The aim of the translation element of this course, examined by a two-hour paper, is to expand reading experience and to develop translation skills based on passages of French prose covering the period 1500 to the present day, written in a range of styles and genres. Although great attention will be paid to accuracy, there will be an equal concern with matching the style and nuances of the original text, and with producing good, accurate and idiomatic English of the appropriate register. The teaching for this paper is in the form of fortnightly translation classes for which students will be expected to do written work once a fortnight. These will introduce students to translation strategies and to the basics of comparative stylistics. Some of the classes will be dedicated to sixteenth- and seventeenth-century texts, dealing with points of grammar and syntax as well as vocabulary.

Computer-Assisted Translation

Some translations passages for use in the classroom and private study are available electronically, either on the Web or on the PWF. See the current French list for details and links.

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Oral B

Like Use of French and Translation from French, the oral examination contains an element of reading comprehension: a prescribed passage is prepared immediately before the examination to provide material for reading aloud and discussion. Passages typically deal with general issues (consumerism, globalisation, the power of the media, the environment etc.). Examiners will use this passage to launch discussion; they will be looking for an ability to talk fluently and accurately in an appropriate register and an ability to engage interestingly in French on an intellectual level. In addition to speaking French in Use of classes, students will have weekly College-based oral supervisions throughout at least the first two terms with native speakers. Teaching material in the Language Centre will enable students to develop their listening skills, cultural knowledge and vocabulary further.

Any queries regarding language papers at Part IA, or indeed at any level, may be addressed to the Co-ordinator of Language Teaching, Dr Hugues Azérad at Magdalene College, Cambridge CB3 0AG or to our Language Teaching Officer, Mr Christophe Gagne at Churchill College, Cambridge CB3 0DS.