Learning objectives
The module aims to examine different text genres in order to identify the linguistic markers and lexico-grammatical features that distinguish each genre. It will introduce also the use of corpus linguistics as a tool for developing analytical and translation skills by interrogating representative and specialised corpora in the search of meaning in context and in the co-text of the text genres chosen (e.g. collocation, colligation, semantic preference, positive and negative semantic prosody).
The aim of this course is thus to introduce the student to an analysis of the Englidh language by means of corpus linguistics with a view to developing his/her writing and translation skills.
Prerequisites
- - -
Course unit content
The course will examine different text genres in order to identify the linguistic markers and lexico-grammatical features that distinguish each genre. It will introduce the use of corpus linguistics as a tool for developing their analytical skills by interrogating representative and specialised corpora in the search of meaning in context and in the co-text of the text genres chosen (through collocation, colligation, semantic preference, positive and negative semantic prosody). The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the analysis of the English language by means of corpus linguistics, with a view to developing writing and translation skills.
The knowledge and competences to be evaluated:
. written and oral competence in the English language corresponding to C2 level and translation strategies from English to Italian and Italian to English in a register appropriate to the text genre and which reflects the communicative functions of the source text;
. knowledge of text features and the formal informal context, relating to the text genre and object of study;
. an ability to study independently, re-elaborate the contents of the course, propose individual research relating to the topics discussed during lectures, solve problems regarding the retrieval of information and decoding of complex texts.
With a view to verifying whether such knowledge and competences have been achieved, the aim of the examination is to evaluate the ability of the student to re-elaborate, reformulate such knowledge as well as the ability to apply the knowledge and skills he /she has gained to text analysis and to corpus interrogation.
A final evaluation of insufficient is determined by the lack on the part of the student: to demonstrate a minimum knowledge of the contents of the course; to express him or herself adequately in English (expected level of C1) on the topics of the course; to discuss and solve problems regarding the retrieval of information and decoding of complex texts.
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
HUNSTON, S. 2002. Corpora in Applied Linguistics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Chapters 1-3 (pp 1-66)
LAMY M-N. & KLARSKOV MORTENSEN H. J. 2012. Using concordance programs in the Modern Foreign Languages classroom. Module 2.4 in Davies G. (ed.) Information and Communications Technology for Language Teachers (ICT4LT), Slough, Thames Valley University [Online]. Available at: http://www.ict4lt.org/en/en_mod2-4.htm
MALMKJAER, K. 2005. Linguistics and the Language of Translation, Edinburgh University Press: Edinburgh. Chapters 5-8.
OLOHAN M. 2004. Introducing Corpora in Translation Studies. New York/London: Routledge. Chapters 2-4, 6-7.
PARTINGTON A. 2003. "Utterly content in each other's company": Semantic prosody and semantic preference, International Journal of Corpus Linguistics 9(1):131-156.
SINCLAIR, J. 2003. Reading Concordances, London: Pearson (selected units)
SINCLAIR, J. 1996. The Search for Units of Meaning, Textus IX, pp.75-106.
STUBBS, M. 2007. Collocations and Semantic Profiles: On the cause of the trouble with quantative studies, in Teubert W. and R. Krishnamurthy (eds) Corpus Linguistics: Critical Concepts in Linguis-tics, London & New York: Routledge.
TOGNINI BONELLI, E. with SINCLAIR, J. 2005. Entry for Corpus in Elsevier Encyclopedia.
I testi saranno disponibili all’inizio del corso.
Teaching methods
In class, the lecturer will present the main elements of corpus linguistics with reference to its application in the field of translation, indicating a series of prescribed readings that will be made available or indicated on the Elly platform. Further suggestions will be given during the course for individual study and analysis with a view to stimulating in the student a high level of independence in approaching textual analysis as indicated by the lecturer.
Students will also attend practical lessons held by foreign language assistants throughout the whole academic year. They will also be required to develop their self-study skills for a minimum of 6 hours in the multimedia laboratory, following a programme discussed with the lecturer responsible for the course.
Assessment methods and criteria
Evaluation is based on a written translation of a literary text from Italian into English, and on an oral examination regarding the topics studied and discussed during the course as well as a discussion of the translation choices and translation strategies adopted in the written examination.
The final evaluation takes into account the competences gained and mark awarded in the preliminary written test.
A final evaluation of sufficient (18-23/30) is determined if the student is able to show that he / or she has mastered the basic notions and contents of the course and is sufficiently able to express them, even simply, at a level of English that at least corresponds in part to the C2 level. An average mark of (24-27/30) is awarded to the student who can demonstrate he / she possesses a more than sufficient command of the language and theoretical knowledge (24-25/30) or good (26-27/30) according to the above criteria of evaluation. The highest marks ( 28-30/30 and merit) are likewise awarded on the basis of a very good to excellent command of the language and theoretical knowledge according to the above criteria of evaluation.
Other information
- - -
