English Language and Translation 2 A - L

According to the Dublin descriptors, students, at the end of the course, will demonstrate:

1) Knowledge and understanding

Students will familiarise themselves with different uses and varieties of English, with particular attention to English registers, genres and styles. Also, they will examine and understand crucial issues in the theory and practice of translation.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding. In particular, they will learn how to analyse English registers, genres and styles linguistically and meta-linguistically and how to examine the source text for translational purposes. 

3) Making judgements

Drawing on the knowledge and skills acquired in the course, students will be able to interpret the typical characteristics of different English registers, genres and styles and to reflect on these varieties autonomously. They will also be able to make informed choices in selecting translation strategies.

4) Communication skills

The level of linguistic competence students are expected to attain is B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (C.E.F.R.; http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/source/framework_en.pdf).

5) Learning skills

Although this is an “annual” subject, the teaching will take place in one semester. Classes (18) will have in essence a lecture format, but participation on the part of students is expected and will be actively encouraged. The calendar for classes will be communicated during classes, on the lecturer’s webpage and through the Studium learning platform. The lecturer will be available during office hours to answer questions about the course.

-B1+ competence in spoken and written English under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (C.E.F.R.). 

-Basic knowledge of the different levels of linguistic analysis; basic knowledge of translation theory and practice.

The course is divided into two parts:

-The first part will focus on the linguistic analysis of different uses and varieties of English. Special attention will be devoted to written English, whose main characteristics will be highlighted through the examination of texts belonging to different registers, genres and styles (e.g. newspaper articles, advertisements, etc.). The course will also deal with pragmatic issues concerning the use of English in context.

-The second part will focus on translation theory and practice, also with the objective of fostering the students’ awareness of cross-linguistic differences between English and Italian.  

Uses and varieties of English

Culpeper, Jonathan et al. (eds). 2018. English Language. Description, Variation and Context. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Second edition. Chapters:  

-8, Text linguistics (pp. 119-133)

-10, Pragmatics (pp. 146-164)

-23, Speech, writing and discourse type (pp. 365-377)

-24, Language in newspapers (pp. 378-391)

-25, Language in advertisements (pp. 392-400)

-26, Language in literature: stylistics (pp. 401-412)

-28, New technologies: literacies in cyberspace (pp. 423-434)

Biber, Douglas and Conrad, Susan. 2019. Register, Genre, and Style. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Second edition. Chapters: 

-1, Registers, genres, and styles: fundamental varieties of language (pp. 1-28)

-5, Written registers, genres, and styles (pp. 111-142)

Translation

Hatim, Basil and Munday, Jeremy. 2019. Translation. An Advanced Resource Book for Students. London/New York: Routledge. Second edition. Units (taken from Section A):

-1, What is translation? (pp. 3-9)

-2, Translation strategies (pp. 10-16)

-3, The unit of translation (pp. 17-25)

-4, Translation shifts (pp. 26-32)

-5, The analysis of meaning (pp. 33-38)

-6, Dynamic equivalence and the receptor of the message (pp. 39-46)

-7, Textual pragmatics and equivalence (pp. 47-55)

Please remember that, in compliance with art. 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals. Only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying, please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO – Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle Opere dell’Ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

1) Mid-term written exam (optional)

2) Final written exam (compulsory)

3) Final oral exam (compulsory)

-What is register / style / genre in English? How can we analyse it?

-What are the main characteristics of 'traditional' written registers / online written registers in English?

-What are the main characteristics of the language of advertising in English?

-What are the main characteristics of the language of newspapers in English?

-How do you identify translation units?

-How do you analyse meaning before/while translating?

-What are the main translation strategies?