Library Visit with Translator Trainees. Discovering British Culture in a Transylvanian Library

Translation and interpreting studies curricula typically include courses on the culture and civilization of the languages being studied. At Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, first-year translation and interpretation students take a British Culture and Civilization course that covers a range of topics. As part of this course, students have the possibility to engage in an unconventional activity – a visit to the Teleki–Bolyai Library in Târgu-Mureș. This historic library houses an extensive collection of books in multiple languages from around the world. A lesser-known section contains works by English authors, acquired by the library’s founder, Count Sámuel Teleki. This study aims to explore these authors and books, analysing the insights they provide into British culture and civilization within their historical, humanistic, political, and social contexts. We will examine the themes and fields represented in these works, such as religion, science, and secular literature. Our goal is to highlight how the library’s collection serves as both an inspiration and a valuable resource for students interested in researching or deepening their understanding of these subjects.