|
|
| The diploma was handed by the chancellors |
|
On April 17, 2004, a celebration to confer the degree of Masters
of Science in Translation by the Babel University Professional School
of Translation was held in Ichigaya, Tokyo.
Four graduates were granted the degree, one of whom came all the
way from California to participate in the ceremony.
At 10:30 a.m., the ceremony began on time. Following the tradition
of a commencement exercise, the four graduating students, each dressed
in a black gown and a hood, stood in line, appearing a little tense.
Chancellor Yuasa handed the certificate of confirmation of the degree
to each of the graduating students. Then, Dean Ishida gave a hat
with a tassel to each of them. At this moment, MST holders were
born.
|
Chancellor Yuasa giving a speech.
April 17th was also Babel’s 30th Anniversary. |
|
The participants’ applause echoed in the banquet hall as each student
was conferred the degree. Families of the students were all busy
taking pictures.
Ms. Shibata, who became the first MST holder last year, participated
also in this formal ceremony. The five MST holders lined up. Babel
University Professional School of Translation throbs for its promising
future.
The program proceeded with the Chancellor’s address followed by
the speech by the Deans to congratulate the graduates, and a celebration
banquet began at 12:00 noon. The four new MST holders each made
their presentations, and Ms. Misuzu Kadota, an established translator,
gave a commemorative lecture.
 Chancellor’s
Address
BABEL UNIVERSITY Professional School of Translation was established
in Hawaii, U.S.A. in 2002. It became a pioneering program of formal
online education, featuring an innovative system to confer Masters
degree through online lectures only.
Furthermore, in 2002, Babel University received accreditation
from DETC of the United States, the fact of which signifies that
it is publicly recognized as a graduate school in America with high
educational quality.
To verify graduating students’ advanced translation skills, Babel
University established the Master of Science in Translation (MST)
degree to confer upon its graduates.
|
| Dean Ishida handed caps to graduates |
|
However, the founding of objectives of this graduate school is
achieved only when our MST holders makes contribution with their
skills to the business world.
In nother words, future activities and success of the MST holders
will enhance the value of our school.
It is the deepest pleasure of all the faculty and staff to see
four MST holders being born today, following Ms. Shibata, the first
MST holder graduating in 2003.
Our � "ambition" for establishing the school has produced a
fruitful result. I have great expectations for the performance and
success of our MST holders.
The world is coming to a big turning point now. Especially, Japan,
who has developed its culture and economy by translating the advanced
technology of Europe and America since the Meiji period, is facing
major changes.
Heretofore, quality of translation has been left to individual
translator’s know-how. No formal research into translation skills
and technique has been attempted, not to mention the fundamental
theme of “what is translation?”
However, as people value cultural communications and transmission
and exchange of information more than ever now, needs for and importance
of global communications are continuously increasing in the world.
The 21st century will be a true era for global communications.
The fact that Japanese language spoken in a country in the Far
East and English used in the country located at the western edge
of the West met in Hawaii, the center of the Pacific Ocean to establish
research opportunities for mutual communications signifies the opening
of a new era.
|
