PCU’s first 7 Masters of Arts in Translation and Interpreting (MATI)

Historic moments for the Translation and Interpreting Master’s program, launched in 2020

History was written on Friday, 1 July 2022, from 9 to 11 AM, when the first 7 graduands of Partium Christian University’s new Translation and Interpreting MA program, launched in 2020, successfully passed the final exam, namely the dissertation defense, and earned their master’s degrees.

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The niche program was envisaged back in 2017 by Borbála Bökös, PhD, dean of the Faculty of Letters and Arts at Partium Christian University. After much work, determination, and perseverance, the MA program was launched in 2020. Now, the moment has come, when the first class had completed their studies and earned their degrees.

“This day was an important moment in the life of the Department of Languages and Literatures,” said Associate Professor Andrea Bánffi-Benedek, PhD, teacher within the Faculty of Germanic Studies, and Chair of the Examination Committee, “as we have been able to previously read the works of the first graduating class of our youngest program and now see and hear the first generation defend their dissertations.”

“It is quite unbelievable that the Translation and Interpreting MA program, which not so long ago was only a dream, can celebrate its first graduates this year”, reflected Roland‑Attila Szabó, PhD, Terminology teacher of the program, and Secretary of the Examination Committee.

“I prepared for both the graduation ceremony and the final exam with excitement, full of happiness,” expressed Borbála Bökös, PhD—who teaches interpretation, PR, and protocol within the MA program, and who, as the program’s coordinator and dean of the faculty, was naturally a member of the Examination Committee—, “not only because I knew that this was our first graduating class, but also because I knew that we would have the pleasure of having exceptionally high-quality papers and research at the final exam. And they did not disappoint.”

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“Seeing the students and their achievements, it would be unworthy to hide behind formal, commonplace linguistic clichés”, said Roland-Attila Szabó, PhD, “for this matter, all I would like to note is that after the students left the room, following the defending of their papers, the committee could simply not stop praising the class.”

“According to contemporary Israeli writer Etgar Keret, there is a shared criterion in the professional activities of ninjas and translators, namely the fact that in both cases the indicator of quality work is the maintaining of invisibility”, added Andrea Bánffi-Benedek, PhD. “However, there are moments when stepping out of the translator's booth or from behind the computer to show oneself, really is a must.”

The final exam was one such moment. And the candidates performed exceptionally. They took their work seriously and put considerable effort into their papers. This work‑ethic, this attitude was a feature of their work not only at this moment but throughout their two years of schooling. And now they can reap the fruits of their labor.

“Over the past two years we have had an exceptionally strong, determined, and diligent team working together, whose sense of responsibility and attitude towards work were heart‑warming and pleasing to the eye; we could not have wished for a better start. This sense of responsibility was paired with enthusiasm even during the online period, and their professionalism remained palpable in the quality of their papers. The students have something to say, something to contribute to their field; some of the papers were quite exceptional and outstanding – clearly a match for the work of graduates of the well-oiled translation and interpreting programs of other universities. The fact that they were not afraid to take on more daring and difficult subjects (such as the translation of church songs, the translation of humor, trilingual texts), undertaking the challenges these would entail, also fills me with joy and pride”, Roland-Attila Szabó, PhD, expressed.

“It was a real pleasure to teach the first generation,” said Professor Attila Imre, PhD, guest lecturer of the Translation and Interpreting MA program at PCU, who helped the graduands navigate the mysteries of CAT tools (i.e., Computer Assisted Translation tools) during their first year of studies. “Their devotion and thirst for professional knowledge motivated them to indeed bring out the best in themselves and each other during the course of their individual and group activities. I am delighted that we were able to meet in person at the graduation ceremony and I am confident that whatever they do next, they will be characterized by consistency, accuracy, and professionalism.”

“This class is truly a miracle‑class: they have worked hard and with enthusiasm throughout the past two years; for me, as a teacher, every course, and every lesson with them was an amazing experience. Defending their dissertations was just the cherry on the cake, the culmination of a two‑year development process. It was a real experience to see the great level of progress of certain students over these past two years. Despite the fact that this was probably the first and last class to pursue their studies almost entirely online, due to COVID-19, I can proudly say that every one of them came through. This was an exceptionally strong team and I know that we will keep in touch in the future”, Borbála Bökös, PhD expressed.

“I hope that we will have numerous opportunities to read their names in print or see their names in the digital media, in movie credits, preceded by the line ‘Translated by:’, recognize their voices while listening to conference interpreting, and see them at future professional conferences”, added Associate Professor Andrea Bánffi-Benedek, PhD.

“We wholeheartedly congratulate them and hope that they will be able to put the two years they have spent with us to good use”, concluded Roland-Attila Szabó, PhD.

 

The masters, in order of dissertation defense (name, dissertation title, advisor):

 

1 Iza IZABELA ȚICALĂ (GEAMBAȘU) – Challenges and Solutions in Christian Hymn and Song Translation (Kihívások és megoldások a keresztény himnuszok, énekek és dalok fordításában, Provocări și soluții în traducerea imnurilor și cântecelor creștine) – advisor: Titus Pop, PhD, Lecturer.

 

2 Fruzsi FRUZSINA BALLA – Translating Humour in the Hungarian and Romanian Subtitles of the Avengers Movie (Traducerea umorului în subtitrarea maghiară și română a filmului Răzbunătorii) – advisor: Roland-Attila Szabó, PhD, Lecturer.

 

3 ZsofiZSÓFIA VINCZE – Gilmore Girls: American Cultural References in the Hungarian Translation (Gilmore Girls: Referințe culturale americane în traducerea maghiară) – advisor: Enikő Maior, PhD. Habil., Full Professor.

 

4 KrisztinaKRISZTINA DARU (FARKAS) – Examining Translation Strategies in the Audiovisual Adaptation of Peter Rabbit (Examinarea strategiilor de traducere în adaptarea audiovizuală a filmului Peter Rabbit) – advisor: Julianna Borbély, PhD, Lecturer.

 

5 IvettIVETT BURIAN – An Analysis of the Translation of Realia in the Game of Thornes Series (O analiză a realiilor în serialul Urzeala Tronurilor) – advisor: Borbála Bökös, PhD, Lecturer.

 

6 Betti ERZSÉBET HUSZÁR – Technologies and Humour in the Hungarian Dubbed Version of The Big Bang Theory (Tehnologii și umor în versiunea dublată în limba maghiară a serialului The Big Bang Theory) – advisor: Julianna Borbély, PhD, Lecturer.

 

7 Adi ANNABELLA MÉRAI (SILAGHI) – A reália alapú humor fordítása a Brooklyn Nine-Nine című vígjátéksorozatban (Traducerea umorului bazat pe elemente culturale specifice în serialul de comedie Brooklyn Nine-Nine [English translation by translator: “The Translation of Humor in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Comedy Series”]) – advisor: Roland-Attila Szabó, PhD, Lecturer.

 

A few thoughts from our new graduates:

“I am extremely happy that I have successfully passed my final exam”, shared Krisztina Farkas. “I have received much more than just professional training from the university and from my teachers. Owing to the wide-ranging instruction, I not only gained new knowledge in the English language, but also insights into other fields, such as computer science, spelling and so on. I had the opportunity to be part of a very close‑knit group. The past two years have been a defining experience for which I am very grateful to God. Every minute of it was worth it.”

“Two years ago, it would not have crossed my mind that this summer I would be an MA graduand facing the last challenge, the final exam”, said Fruzsina Balla. “I have always been a nervous type; it was no different this time either. Still, the moment I stepped into the classroom, I felt that the atmosphere was not at all heavy. Even though I was still nervous, the curios eyes, kind attitude and encouraging smiles of the members of the examination committee, the advisor, and my peers gave me strength. After my presentation and the questions, I took my seat. I was flooded with emotions. I felt relieved because I knew that I had overcome a difficult challenge. I was happy because the feedback was positive. I was excited because I came one step closer to becoming a translator. At the same time, I felt scared because another phase of my life had just come to an end. I felt sad because both my peers and the teachers had grown dear to my heart. I believe that these feelings are justified. It is hard to say good‑bye to what we know. The unknown always looms over us like a threatening shadow, and it takes courage to step out of the familiar. But often, it is these seemingly scary steps that bring the most unexpected turns. This master’s program has been such a step for me. I am grateful to have had the chance to be part of this community and, although this phase is over, I hope that the relationships that were formed, and the pleasant memories, will be long­‑lasting!”

“I am so happy that I successfully passed my final exam”, Annabella Silaghi expressed. “It is still unbelievable to me how fast these two years have gone by. As it has been a very old desire/goal of mine to complete an interpreting training, we could say that a great desire of mine came true. As a non-English major undergraduate, I imagined that I would lay low during the courses and study just enough to pass the exams, as, with work and family, one does not have much free time and it is harder to set time aside for studying, but that was not the case at all. The professionalism and high expectations of our teachers, as well as their encouragement, the family‑like relationship that developed with my fellow students and their cheering, always motivated me to bring out the best and most of myself, and to far exceed my set goals. I have discovered abilities in myself that I did not know existed. I am very grateful to our teachers for everything, for the knowledge received, for the kind words, for motivating and encouraging us. These two years will remain very fond memories. Even though our courses were online, close friendships have developed and I have met many good people, both in my fellow students and our teachers.”

“A few days have passed since the dissertation defense”, Zsófia Vincze added, “and the past two years are slowly clearing in my mind. I completed a master’s program in translation and interpreting where I gained important practical knowledge. I was part of a rare, tight‑knit online community. I got to know teachers that I believe I can look up to as role models throughout my career. […] I believe that the flexibility and commitment, the constant encouragement, the dynamic attitude of students and teachers alike have greatly contributed to the success of the master’s program.”

Ivett Burian expressed: “It is an immense joy and relief for me to have successfully passed the final exam. At the same time, this also is the end of an adventure, which fills me with lethargic feelings. Before this experience I would have never thought that waking up early on Saturday morning could fill me with pleasant feelings. After all, I came into possession of valuable and useful information every single time. Even though the instruction took place in the online world, I got to know valuable people, be it my fellow students or our teachers. I am especially grateful that, despite the circumstances, we were able to work together as (the best) team and I wish future generations similar experiences.”

“When I first saw the advertisement that this specialty was being launched”, said Erzsébet Huszár, “I immediately knew that I wanted to apply, because it had been a long­‑time desire of mine. And I did not regret it. I attended interesting courses, gained a lot of new knowledge and, most importantly, got to know a lot of kind people. Although most of the courses were held online and we only saw each other on a screen, we grew to be a good team. After all the online classes, it was strange to see everyone in person, without their virtual backgrounds. I am glad that I made it this far; but, at the same time, I am also a little sad that it is over. I thank my teachers for all their patience and encouragement, and I would like to encourage everyone who is interested in this specialty, to go for it; it is worth it.”

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Photo: Ammon Geambașu

“‘With God nothing shall be impossible’ (Luke 1:37), for ‘with God all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26)” were Izabela Geambașu’s first thoughts following her successful final exam. “My standing here today as a certified master in translation and interpreting is living proof of that. I know that it was God who had led me to this major, and it was yet again He who had helped me finish my studies and obtain a diploma whilst caring for my family and fulfilling my work responsibilities, and, furthermore, whilst dealing with some serious health issues due to an accident. I thank Him with a grateful heart! I also thank my family for their immeasurable support! I would not be here without their help either. At Partium Christian University’s Translation and Interpreting MA program, I was surrounded by wonderful people. I thank my teachers for seeing in me what I, perhaps even today, do not see. I thank them for their teachings, for their stretching and growth-promoting challenges, and for their tireless encouragement and positivity! I thank my fellow students (all women) for becoming my friends and more: a new little family. I hope from the bottom of my heart that this bond will not fade with the years. I am grateful that I have had the chance to meet you and get to know you!
And I am grateful to have had the chance to attend a university where Christian values are in high regard, where the Sabbath day is kept holy. This was a very important criterion for me, and I firmly believe that it has greatly contributed to our experiences here. I encourage everyone who is interested in the field of translation and/or interpreting to choose PCU’s Translation and Interpreting MA without hesitation! It is here that it became clear to me how much I enjoy research, organizing, writing, and teaching and I hope that I can start down this path.
A heartfelt thank you for everything!”

“Thank you [graduates] for your quality work, colleagues for your thorough professional guidance and conscientious mentoring, and, last but not least, all who have taken an active role in the creation and operation of this specialty”, concluded Associate Professor Andrea Bánffi-Benedek, Chair of the Examination Committee.

Dear new masters, congratulations, and much success on your journey!

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L-r: Krisztina Daru (Farkas), Zsófia Vincze, Annabella Mérai (Silaghi), Ivett Burian, Fruzsina Balla, Erzsébet Huszár,
Izabela Țicală (Geambașu)

 

Original article and English translation by Izabela Geambașu, MATI*

 

 


* Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting

forrás: tolmacs.partium.ro