English Specialised Translation
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
This is a one-semester, 40 hour course, divided into two teaching units.
In the first part of the course some of the main issues in Transation Studies will be introduced, and discussed not only in theoretical terms, but also looking at their relevance to translating practice through the analysis and translation of selected journalistic, academic and technical texts.
The second part of the course will focus on the legal domain. In particular it will look at the main difficulties involved in legal translation at various linguistic levels (discourse, syntax, phraseology, terminology), as well as those due to legal and intecultural differences, and discuss some possible solutions in a professional perspective.
In the first part of the course some of the main issues in Transation Studies will be introduced, and discussed not only in theoretical terms, but also looking at their relevance to translating practice through the analysis and translation of selected journalistic, academic and technical texts.
The second part of the course will focus on the legal domain. In particular it will look at the main difficulties involved in legal translation at various linguistic levels (discourse, syntax, phraseology, terminology), as well as those due to legal and intecultural differences, and discuss some possible solutions in a professional perspective.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will have developed a full awareness of the main issues in Translation Studies and of their practical relevance. They will be able to translate correctly and appropriately journalistic and domain-specific texts, and in particular various kinds of authentic legal documents (international contracts, judgments, arbitration awards, etc.).
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Module 1 - Translation: from Theory to Practice (20 hours)
Main concepts of translation theory. Translation norms and strategies for application to various kinds of texts, especially academic, technical-scientific, audiovisual and journalistic. Discussion of practical examples. Computer and documentary tools for the translator, translation programmes and online resources.
Module 2 - Translating Legal Genres (20 hours)
Distinctive characteristics and main features of legal texts in English, native and hybrid (supra-national and international), and comparison with Italian comparable texts with a view to translation. Approaches to legal translation. Problems involved in the translation of legal terminology. Use of specific resources and documentary tools. Translation strategies and text genres. Translation of representative authentic texts.
Main concepts of translation theory. Translation norms and strategies for application to various kinds of texts, especially academic, technical-scientific, audiovisual and journalistic. Discussion of practical examples. Computer and documentary tools for the translator, translation programmes and online resources.
Module 2 - Translating Legal Genres (20 hours)
Distinctive characteristics and main features of legal texts in English, native and hybrid (supra-national and international), and comparison with Italian comparable texts with a view to translation. Approaches to legal translation. Problems involved in the translation of legal terminology. Use of specific resources and documentary tools. Translation strategies and text genres. Translation of representative authentic texts.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have advanced command of English and native or near-native proficiency in Italian.
Students must also have a good preliminary knowledge of the main characteristics of domain-specific discourse in English. For those who are not familiar with specialised discourse, the following textbook is prescribed for preliminary reading:
- Maurizio Gotti 2011, 3a edizione, Investigating Specialised Discourse, Bern, Peter Lang.
Students must also have a good preliminary knowledge of the main characteristics of domain-specific discourse in English. For those who are not familiar with specialised discourse, the following textbook is prescribed for preliminary reading:
- Maurizio Gotti 2011, 3a edizione, Investigating Specialised Discourse, Bern, Peter Lang.
Teaching methods
The course will adopt the methodologies typical of the most recent Translation Studies, especially from the English-speaking tradition.
Teaching Resources
Module 1
- Scarpa, Federica, 2020. Research and Professional Practice in Specialised Translation. London: Palgrave;
Munday, Jeremy, Sara Ramos Pinto and Jacob Blakesley, 2022. Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and Applications, 5th edn, London and New York: Routledge (selected chapters).
Module 2
Selected readings made available for download on the course website. For further information, please refer to the course's website.
- Scarpa, Federica, 2020. Research and Professional Practice in Specialised Translation. London: Palgrave;
Munday, Jeremy, Sara Ramos Pinto and Jacob Blakesley, 2022. Introducing Translation Studies. Theories and Applications, 5th edn, London and New York: Routledge (selected chapters).
Module 2
Selected readings made available for download on the course website. For further information, please refer to the course's website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam:
- a short questionnaire in English on theoretical aspects of translation (30 minutes);
- "Translation from English into Italian of an excerpt of about 200 words, chosen by the candidate from two options: one scientific or technical, and the other legal (60 minutes). The use of various types of lexicographic materials is allowed, including bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, glossaries, and online terminological resources. Students for whom Italian is not the native language may also use a bilingual dictionary between their first language and Italian."
Oral exam:
Interview based on discussion of the written test and the arguments covered in class.
Students have the opportunity to take an intermediate test at the end of the course. The grades obtained in the intermediate tests (questionnaire and translation) will contribute to the final grade.
- a short questionnaire in English on theoretical aspects of translation (30 minutes);
- "Translation from English into Italian of an excerpt of about 200 words, chosen by the candidate from two options: one scientific or technical, and the other legal (60 minutes). The use of various types of lexicographic materials is allowed, including bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, glossaries, and online terminological resources. Students for whom Italian is not the native language may also use a bilingual dictionary between their first language and Italian."
Oral exam:
Interview based on discussion of the written test and the arguments covered in class.
Students have the opportunity to take an intermediate test at the end of the course. The grades obtained in the intermediate tests (questionnaire and translation) will contribute to the final grade.
L-LIN/12 - LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION - ENGLISH - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Sturiale Massimo
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Sturiale MassimoProfessor(s)