A third principle is innovativeness. Courses are arranged to respond quickly and flexibly to current needs. During our first academic year, the emphasis was on the European Union, the translation of legislation, of medical texts, and computer-aided translation. This year will offer new courses in literary translation and in the translation of non-fiction. Economic and business translation will also be on the menu.
Cooperation is a fourth principle.
AKO's foundation is based on good relations between the Helsinki language and linguistics departments and the Kouvola translator training unit. We aim to make the different aspects of language and translation expertise more accessible to colleagues in different departments. One practical example of this cooperation was a joint seminar for teachers of translation in Kouvola and Helsinki, held at Sann s this spring. Enthusiastic response AKO has been received with an enthusiasm that has astonished its teachers and organisers. The courses and basic cooperative approach have obviously filled a long-felt need.