The Department of Eastern Languages and Literatures
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Arabic Translation and Interpreting

 

Bachelor’s Program in Arabic Translation and Interpreting

Associate Professor Dr. Ahmed Aldyab, Department Chair

In the Arabic Translation and Interpreting program, undergraduate students explore Arabic, a language spoken across 23 Arab countries and recognized as one of the six most strategic languages by institutions such as the United Nations, global financial organizations, local governments, leading universities, and strategic research centers. Our program offers students the opportunity to learn Arabic from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on the language's application in translation and interpreting across various fields, sectors, business cultures, and media.

The program includes structured language courses from introductory to advanced levels, translation internships at esteemed institutions, simultaneous interpreting, and opportunities to work and train in other language labs. In addition to advanced Arabic writing and speaking courses, the curriculum covers:

  • Engineering Translation (Construction, Chemical, Mechanical, and Electronic Engineering)
  • Tourism Translation (Tourist guide destinations)
  • Medical Translation (Surgical procedures, documentation and approval processes, medical products, translation in healthcare institutions)
  • Literary Translation (Novels, stories, theater, poetry)
  • Diplomatic Translation (Correspondence and meetings between diplomatic delegations)
  • Legal Translation (Banking and financial law, commercial law, sworn translation)
  • Subtitle Translation
  • Media Translation
  • Simultaneous Interpretation (Conference interpreting)

Additionally, the program offers elective language and translation courses in specialized areas involving multiple languages and translation traditions.

Our courses invite undergraduate students to deeply and critically engage with Arabic, covering every type of text and issue, from translation technologies to the topics active translators face in the field. Students not only learn Arabic theoretically but also develop an understanding of the professional cultures and opportunities in the fields where Arabic is used, enabling them to analyze and evaluate these before entering the job market. Our department provides a challenging and supportive environment, enhancing students' translation skills and capacities to meaningfully interact with people in numerous countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Western Sahara.

The Arabic Translation and Interpreting program equips students with translation, analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary for immediate employment upon graduation. The program also offers opportunities for minor and double major studies, training students as multifaceted and visionary individuals ready to compete globally. Students learn to communicate accurately and effectively at all levels of Arabic and become more attentive listeners. Understanding the language and cultures of the Arab world, and their relations with Turkey, enhances their self-perception and native language skills. In this regard, our students achieve the cultural and linguistic fluency essential in today’s globalized world.

Our faculty collaborates closely with institutions employing Arabic translators and interpreters to continuously update and develop the curriculum according to contemporary needs. Therefore, the content and structure of our teaching are selected to address topics and fields students will encounter in their translation careers. The program also strengthens intercultural relations and provides pre- and post-graduation guidance, activities, business world engagements, and other events to help students steer their careers correctly.

The ARMT bachelor's degree offers graduates opportunities to work in the following institutions and organizations:

  • Presidency and affiliated units
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and affiliated units
  • Embassies and consulates
  • State hospitals
  • Immigration offices
  • United Nations
  • National Intelligence Organization (MIT)
  • Ministry of Defense and affiliated units
  • Ministry of National Education and affiliated units
  • National Palaces (e.g., Dolmabahçe, Topkapı)
  • State archives
  • Presidency of Religious Affairs
  • Translation agencies
  • Television channels
  • National newspapers
  • News agencies
  • Private hospitals
  • Export companies doing business with the Arab world
  • Import companies
  • Tourism organization companies
  • Airline companies
  • International fair promotion organization companies
  • National and international real estate investment companies
  • Domestic and international representatives of textile companies
  • Domestic and international representatives of major construction companies
  • International marketing offices of natural stone and mining production facilities
  • Tourist facilities
  • Film production agencies
  • Call centers
  • Cultural institutions (e.g., Yunus Emre Institute, TİKA)
  • Import and export consultancy firms
  • Customs clearance and logistics companies
  • Health tourism companies