A Glance at the Ailing System of Teaching Translation in Some Iranian Universities

Abstract

It goes without saying that to produce high-quality translations, competent translators are needed; those who have gained adequate expertise through university education. However, the translations offered by so-called translators and experts are most often of low quality. Despite this necessity, no serious research has been conducted to evaluate the criteria set for designing and offering translation courses taught at Iranian universities, and whether they are appropriate or not. This paper looks at the present situation of translation teaching in some Iranian universities from the following angles: the whys and wherefores of translation teaching at universities, the major weaknesses, and the necessity of viewing translation teaching as a learning process. Besides, an attempt has been made to introduce some remedies for healing the ailing system of teaching translation in some Iranian universities. The findings of this paper have been obtained through interviews and direct observation of translation classes held at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Imam Reza University as well as Sheikh Bahaeei University of Isfahan. Our findings revealed that: a. those who teach translation at universities in Iran lack professional background in translation; b. translation teachers have not received any kind of training in teaching translation; c. the processes of developing objectives and selecting material are carried out randomly; d. there is a severe shortage in resources and classroom facilities; e. there is severe lack of coordination in the program, and as a result the overall program is not very successful. These results imply the necessity to re-evaluate the criteria set for designing and implementing the translation courses taught at Iranian universities.