ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION 1 M - Z

By the end of the Course, according to the Dublin descriptors, will demonstrate:

1.      knowledge and understanding

Students know the vocabulary and the basic structures of the English language at B1+ level (CEFR), focusing on elements of segmental phonetics and phonology, morphology, grammar, syntax and semantics. They are aware of the main problems relating to translation from English to Italian, and they are familiar with the organization of dictionaries, especially monolingual ones

2.      applying knowledge and understanding

Students are able to apply the linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired to analyze linguistically and metalinguistically short texts of various types and registers and to translate them. They demonstrate the ability to produce and understand short written and oral texts on familiar matters and to interact with native / non-native speakers on

a variety of subjects within their field of interest. They know how to use the dictionary

3.      making judgements

Drawing on the acquired knowledge and skills students develop the ability to interpret the linguistic and cultural elements in a text to reflect autonomously on the functioning of the English language.

4.      Communication skills

The level of linguistic competence students are expected to attain by the end of the course is B1+ under the Common European Framework for Languages.

5.      learning skills

Although an "annual" subject, most of the teaching will take place in the first semester. The lessons will take the form of face-to-face lessons, but the active participation of female students will be highly encouraged. The schedule for the lessons will be communicated both in class and on the DISUM web pages of the teachers and through the didactic platform, Studium. The teacher is available to answer questions regarding the course during the reception.

If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

The course comprises three modules: A, B and C.

A and B modules introduce the basic structures of the language.

Module A focuses on Phonetics and Phonology, also diachronically, with the aim of providing the students with practical tools to improve their language learning and competence. (Culpeper, Jonathan et al (eds), 2018, English Language. Description, Variation and Context, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan, capp. 1,2, 3,11,12)

Module B, also diachronically, on morphological, grammatical, syntactical and semantic analysis with reference to translation practice too. (Culpeper, Jonathan et al (eds), 2018, English Language. Description, Variation and Context, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan, capp. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15).

Language instruction – Anglophone culture

Module A and B

Culpeper, Jonathan et al (eds), 2018, English Language. Description, Variation and Context, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan (capitoli: 1: pp. 3-8; 2: pp. 11-28; 3: pp. 29-41; 5: pp. 64-81; 6: pp. 82-100; 7: pp. 101-118; 8: pp. 119-133; 9: pp. 134-145, 11: pp. 167-185; 12: pp- 186-199, 131: pp.200-224; 14: pp. 225-237; 15: pp. 238-249,). 

Module C

Baker, Mona, 2011, In Other Words, Abingdon, Routledge (capitoli: 1: pp. 1-9, 2: pp. 10-52,3: pp.53-93, 4: pp.94-133)

Suggested reading for non-attending students

Faini, Paola ,2008, Tradurre. Manuale teorico e Pratico Carocci Editore

 (capp. 1: pp.11-41; 3: pp.53-90; 4: pp. 91-118; 5: pp. 119-157)

Language practice

Grammar and course books to be used for the language practice classes will be advised immediately after the entry test on the basis of level of competence and assigned group.

Dictionaries

Collins Cobuild Dictionary for Advanced Learners, London: Collins latest edition (together with How to use the Dictionary, Collins ELT, London); Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (with cd-rom), London, Longman latest edition; A.S. Hornby, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Oxford, Oxford University Press, latest edition; Cambridge Learner Advanced Dictionary (with cd-rom), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, latest edition; MacMillan English Dictionary, New edition, Oxford, MacMillan latest edition; Ragazzini Dizionario Inglese–Italiano Italiano–Inglese, Zanichelli, latest edition.

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)

Written exam - compulsory to the oral exam

Oral exam

There are two intermediate tests: one relating to module A, consisting of a test (with both multiple and free answers) aimed at verifying the knowledge and use of the phonetic alphabet, the ability to read the phonetic alphabet and the structure of the syllable; one relating to module B aimed at verifying the acquisition of morphological, syntactic and semantic skills.

Passing these tests allows students to consider as acquired the parts of the program on which they have already measured and to access the final test, consisting of an oral interview on the remaining parts of the program. The oral exam is accessed after passing the written exam.

The ongoing tests will be evaluated with a score ranging from 18 to 30. 18 is the minimum score necessary to pass the test.

Students who do not wish to participate in the scheduled tests will be assessed and assessed through the final test consisting of an oral interview on all the topics of the program.

The assessment of the exam will take into account the mastery of the contents and skills acquired, linguistic accuracy and lexical properties, as well as the argumentative ability demonstrated by the candidate.

Verification of learning can also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

Below is a list of possible topics on which to reflect and discuss in the oral exam. Of course, what is listed below is intended as a model application and not as an exhaustive list of what will be asked.

1. Divide the following words into morphemes, classifying them.

2. Identify which lexical phenomenon generated the following words (conversion, clipping, etc.)

3. Identify in which syntactic relationship the following periods are (coordinated, subordinate)

4. Identify the syllables that make up the following words and describe them graphically (core, etc.).

5. Identify the following phrases (Phrases) and describe them graphically by identifying HEAD

6. In the field of translation, what problems may arise at the lexical level (grammatical - phrasal). How are they resolved?

7. What is meant by the standardization process? What phenomena characterize it? Why do we talk about standard ideology?

8. Identify which semantic relationship binds these terms...

9. Describe what kind of approach (referential, relational or denotative) explains the meaning of the following sentence.

10. What are the stages in the development of the English language?

11. Describe briefly the development of the English spelling.

12. What is meant by lexical loan? How has the lexicon of the English language expanded?

13. What kind of semantic change characterizes /is present in the following sentences:...?

There will also be, at the opening of the interview, a short conversation in English on topics that are familiar, routine or not, or related to the students' field of interest (experiences, travels, current events, etc.). The level required to pass the exam is at least B1 + of the Common European Framework for Languages: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages.