Translation theory in post-editor training

Abstract The spectacular improvement in the quality of machine translation (MT) has generated a number of new challenges for the profession, translation studies research and translator training. The validity of former translation theories has been called into question and simultaneously new avenues are emerging. In educational contexts, the focus is shifting from scratch translation to post-editing (PE). However, relatively little research effort has been dedicated to considering the role of theoretical knowledge in post-editor training. The primary aim of this paper is to examine whether the teaching of translation theory should form part of post-editor training curricula, and if so, to identify the content a theory-oriented course should include to ensure practical relevance. Specifically, this paper explores which topics a translation theory course should cover for training translators and post-editors. It argues that most PE involves working with MT output for specialized texts, and the theoretical background needed for post-editing is similar to that required in human translation of specialized texts. A translation theory coursebook for specialized translator training is discussed to demonstrate the relevance of its topics for post-editor training.