A Proposed Genre Task-Based Syllabus for the Legal Translation Classroom

In light of the importance of legal translation in the context of Saudi Arabia, this paper attempts to propose a genre task-based syllabus for teaching legal translation in translator training programs in higher education institutions. The proposed syllabus integrates task-based teaching and genre-based teaching due to the relevance of both approaches to translation teaching. Borrowed from the field of language teaching, task-based teaching naturally lends itself to teaching translation since language tasks and translation tasks have several aspects in common; they both perform communicative functions, have clear outcomes, and require linguistic and non-linguistic knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the role of genre in translation and translator training is also significant due to the linguistic and communicative features unique to different types of texts that require training and experience. For this reason, developing genre awareness among trainee translators is necessary to equip them with the knowledge that enables them to navigate the translation decision-making process. The objective of the proposed syllabus was to implement a genre-based translator training model using a task cycle that is suitable for translation teaching. Upon implementation, it is anticipated that the proposed syllabus will achieve the intended learning outcomes by developing the trainees’ translation competence and raising their awareness of the features of the legal genre.