The Government College University (GCU) Lahore has announced its new initiative; the Department of Translation Studies, the first of its kind in the city that will also offer a unique BS level program in Translation Studies.
Emphasising its significance in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in the increasingly globalized world, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi said, translation is an amalgamation of divergent cultures, languages, and intellectual ethos that creates a new world of meaning and interpretation; so considering it an inferior art is misleading and unjust.
The Vice Chancellor revealed the University syndicate has approved the establishment of this very special new department, and in its first year of inception, it would be focusing on translating classics of contemporary and regional literature.
“Special attention will be given to local works such as Indo-Persian documents, Mughal-era manuscripts, and regional literary works in Pushto, Hindko, Seraiki, Sindhi, Baluchi and Urdu,” he said.
Prof Zaidi said that currently, translation is only offered as an undergraduate course or certificate-level qualification, but with the introduction of this program, students will have the opportunity to pursue translation studies at a higher level.
“The graduates of this new department will not only have a command of multiple languages, but they will also gain a better understanding of the literature and culture associated with those languages. So, they are expected to have better job opportunities in media, foreign embassies, and multi-national organizations,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor announced that the new department would aim to publish at least two academic projects in a year under the ambit of the Government College University Press.
“With the introduction of this department, Government College University is taking a significant step forward in promoting and facilitating the study of translation in Pakistan,” he concluded.
