The Role of Translation and EU-Texts in the English BA Programme : Exploring Hungarian College Graduates' Work Experiences and Views

Abstract

Despite recent convincing arguments emphasizing the benefits of using translation in foreign language learning and teaching, there is little empirical research focusing on existing educational practices. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the case of an English bachelor’s programme at a Hungarian college, which has integrated translation and specialised EU-texts into the curriculum in a systematic way in an attempt to keep abreast with the current global social transformations and address local needs. The participants of the survey were graduates of the English BA programme who have completed the optional EU specialisation module. The research aimed to find out about graduates’ further educational choices and their subsequent employment experiences regarding translation and the use of EU-texts. It also sought to capture graduates’ perceptions about the relevance and role of the EU and EU translation courses as well as the whole EU specialisation module within the English BA programme. The results indicate that written and oral translation tasks are frequently required at the workplace, and graduates often have to deal with EU-related topics. The findings seem to support the argument that using translation and specialized texts serves useful purposes in curriculum of the English BA. The research results can be utilized when revising and adjusting the aims and content of the courses.