Translation in the Digital Age

Ever dream of becoming a subtitler for Netflix or HBO? Or do you see yourself as someone who could help companies and governments make their texts more inclusive and accessible? Do your friends admire your talent for languages, creative writing skills and keen eye for detail? And can you tell when ChatGPT starts hallucinating? Then the Minor Translation in the Digital Age will suit you to a T.

The Minor Translation in the Digital Age introduces you to – and prepares you for – different professions in the translation and language industry (translator, subtitler, terminologist, editor, IT consultant, etc.). Of course, it is only a start, but without professional training, attempting to enter today's overheated translation market (which is still growing exponentially) will be a fool’s errand. With the Minor Translation under your belt, you are also directly eligible to register for the Master’s!

The keyword in all courses is reflection on the role of translators in our rapidly globalising and technifying world: you will learn why people cannot simply be replaced by a translation app or chatbot. You will begin to understand what role translations – ranging from literature and news reports to technical manuals, patient information leaflets, contracts and subtitles – play in our society and why access to information in your own language is considered a Human Right. In addition, you will be introduced to Translation Studies and analyze how norms and values (What constitutes a good translation? What is the translator's responsibility?) are subject to social, economic, technological and, above all, political developments (e.g. replacing court interpreters with translation apps, using AI to generate subtitles).

In short, you will learn that translation is much more about mediating between cultures than overcoming language barriers. At first glance, many texts seem deceptively easy to translate, especially for machines that produce fluent text at the touch of a button, but in practice these translations often create miscommunication. Well-trained, professional translators understand that translation is not about substituting words and sentences, but about understanding the message and purpose of the text. This Minor will teach you to translate – and to rewrite, restructure and adapt – texts in such a way that they meet cultural norms, values, and expectations.

Maximum number of participants: 50 Study programme: 5000MENENN Language: Dutch and English Registration: via EduXchange 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

• Extent: 30 EC (spread over 2 semesters)
• Intended for: students of all disciplines
• Language of instruction: English and Dutch
• Website: Minors
• Coordinator: Dr. A.G. (Lettie) Dorst (for thematic questions about the Minor)
• Information: study advisor and education coordinator (for administrative and study related questions)
• Board of Examiners: English Language and Culture
• Registration: via EduXchange: 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

Request an eduID account to register in EduXchange. On how to do this, watch Explore & register for your minor via eduXchange. Students from another university: please visit Info about minors

• From July, register separately for the courses via MyStudymap (only applies to LEI students!) Guest students will be helped with their course enrollment.

Follow-on master's programme

Students who have completed the minor Translation English-Dutch and the Bachelor English Language and Culture have direct access to the master Translation.