ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION M - Z

According to the Dublin descrptors, students, at the end of the course, 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. learning skills

Students develop the learning skills they need to go on with their university carreer, such as the ability to use a dictionary, manage and organize work and time for university study, take notes during lessons for their own use at a later date.

Although this is an “annual” subject, the majority of the teaching will take place in the first semester with, whenever possible, three classes per week. Classes 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 both during classes, on the DISUM webpage of teachers and through the Studium learning platform. I am available immediately before and after classes to answer questions regarding the course and students may also make use of my office hours for this purpose.

Changes to the programme might be necessary in case of online teaching.

The course comprises three modules.

Modules A and B 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, focuses 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).

Module C aims towards the acquisition of language analysis tools within a translation practice perspective. A contrastive textual analysis will be carried out to compare L1 and L2 language frameworks. Different text types will be used as well as different registers. The module focuses also on monolingual dictionary practice and use. At the end of the module students will be able to analyse a text linguistically and metalinguistically and will be able to translate it. (Baker, Mona, 2011, In Other Words, Abingdon, Routledge (capitoli: 1, 2, 3, 4).

Language instruction – Anglophone culture

Students will attend the language instruction classes divided in groups according to their starting levels of linguistic competence. To this end an entry test will be administered, news of which will be published at the beginning of the academic year on the departmental website and on Studium, the university’s e-learning platform. The notional starting level of linguistic competence is B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. These language instruction and Anglophone culture classes with native speaker teachers are an important part of the course.

Module A and B

Text:

J. Culpeper et alii (eds), English Language. Description, Variation and Context, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan, 2018 (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15)

Module C

Text:

M. Baker, In Other Words, Abingdon, Routledge, 2011 (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4).

Suggested reading for non-attending students:

P. Faini, Tradurre. Manuale teorico e Pratico, Roma, Carocci, 2008 (chapters 1, 3, 4, 5)

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).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.