LITERARY TRANSLATION AND TRANSLATION FOR PUBLISHING (ENGLISH)

The aim of the course is to provide students with the methodological knowledge necessary for the analysis of literary texts from a Translation Studies perspective. Students will therefore be provided with the tools to analyse a text from a linguistic, sociolinguistic, stylistic and rhetorical point of view, in the light of the socio-historical-cultural context in which the text was produced and of the authorial and linguistic specificities. The course also aims to increase the students' awareness in the field of translation, since the problem of the Italian rendering of chosen passages will be tackled by taking into account the interdependence between client, translator and target reader.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to literary translation, focusing mainly on novels and short stories. At the end of the course, students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the Translation Theories relevant to this type of translation. They will be able to recognise the specific characteristics of the literary text and use different translation techniques to deal with the distorting tendencies, manipulations and rewritings that can be applied to a translated text. Through a critical reading of their own work and that of others, they will learn to deal critically with the translation of literary texts, not limiting themselves to a mere semantic translation, but understanding the literary text as a bearer of complex cultural meanings.

The course is preferably intended for students of Italian mother tongue (or with knowledge of Italian at mother tongue level) and with good or excellent knowledge of English (C1 to C2). Linguistic aspects unrelated to the two languages indicated will be specifically illustrated during the lessons.

The course offers students the opportunity to explore and explore the practice and theory of translation in the context of modern English literature from the Late Nineteenth Century to the Early Twentieth Century. During the course, students will be introduced to a wide range of literary works, spanning from the last decades of the 19th century to the early 21st century, and will have the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the field of literary translation, particularly in the postcolonial context.
The course focuses on the translation of novels and short stories, paying particular attention to texts representing important literary and cultural movements of that period. Students will have the opportunity to examine and analyse works by authors such as Joseph Conrad, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, T.S. Eliot, George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, David Malouf and many others (texts will be shared in class), discovering the linguistic and cultural nuances and peculiarities present in their writings.
During the course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of literary translation and the specific challenges this discipline entails. Different translation theories and approaches will be explored, with particular emphasis on functional translation and understanding the cultural context in which the work was written and received. Students will have the opportunity to analyse and compare different translations of the same literary text, examining the linguistic, stylistic and cultural choices made by the translators.
A key aspect of the course is the in-depth study of translation techniques specific to modern English literature. Students will learn to handle the challenges of rendering complex narrative styles, puns, cultural allusions and historical contexts. Different translation strategies such as transposition, adaptation and compensation will be presented and they will be encouraged to apply them through practical exercises.
During the course, workshops and discussions will be organised to allow students to discuss with each other and with the teacher about the translations they have produced. They will be encouraged to reflect critically on their own translation and to evaluate the choices made in relation to the original text and the context of reception. Through this practice of revision and discussion, students will develop a greater awareness of their own translation skills and learn to refine their own style and voice as translators.
In addition, the course will explore ethical and cultural issues related to literary translation, such as the accurate representation of other cultures, the question of authorship, and debates about fidelity to the original work. Students will be encouraged to consider the social and political role of literary translation and to examine the implications of such translation decisions.
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of literary translation in modern English literature. They will have developed critical skills in analysing and evaluating translations, as well as a greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities offered by literary translation. They will be able to apply appropriate translation techniques to deal with the complex cultural and linguistic meanings present in literary texts and will be able to translate sensitively, creatively and with respect for the voice and intent of the original author.

Cavagnoli F. (2012), La voce del testo. L'arte e il mestiere di tradurre, Milano: Feltrinelli.
Cavagnoli F. (2017), La traduzione letteraria anglofona, Milano: Hoepli.
Eco U. (2003) Dire quasi la stessa cosa, Milano: Bompiani.
Munday J. (2016), Introducing Translation Studies, London and New York: Routledge.
Nergaard S. (2002), La teoria della traduzione nella storia, Milano: Bompiani.
Osimo B. (2007), Traduzione e qualità, Milano: Hoepli.

The examination consists of the translation of a 4000 character-long text chosen from the texts analysed during the course or texts related to those analysed in class.

During the course, lectures will be delivered in a face-to-face mode, supported by illustrated slides. Many of the lectures will have a seminar approach, encouraging students to actively participate in discussions on translations, offering their own alternatives and contributing their own point of view.

Italian

written