TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSLATION: APPROACHES AND TOOLS (ENGLISH)

Translation Technologies: Tools and Methods (English) is part of the related and supplementary educational activities within the Degree Programme in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation. The course does not simply aim to familiarise students with translation software, but to develop a critical approach to the use of language technologies in the translation process. The tools are presented as resources that support translators in decision-making and in solving concrete language-related problems. Particular attention will be devoted to computer-assisted translation software, corpus linguistics, and software-assisted interlingual subtitling.

Knowledge and understanding
- basic concepts of corpus linguistics
- theory and techniques of software-assisted interlingual subtitling
- computer-assisted translation: basic use of Trados Studio 2024

Applying knowledge and understanding
- be able to query a corpus at a basic level using AntConc
- be able to use the Web as a resource to verify the use of linguistic forms and expressions in specific contexts
- be able to translate audiovisual excerpts through software-assisted subtitling
- be able to translate documents using Trados Studio 2024

Making judgements
- be able to identify types of word association through corpus analysis
- be able to assess the appropriateness of specific translation strategies in subtitling

Communication skills
- be able to use appropriate metalanguage in linguistic analysis and reflection
- be able to communicate linguistic observations and reflections effectively

Learning skills
- be able to monitor and assess progress in learning translation technologies
- be able to use specialised software independently

- English language proficiency of at least B2 level
- Excellent knowledge of Italian (international students are required to have at least B2 level)
- Excellent computer skills (Web research, word processing, software installation)
- Willingness to use technological tools and work collaboratively
A good level of autonomy in study methods and a solid general cultural background will facilitate the acquisition of the knowledge and skills covered in the course.

The course consists of a 30-hour semester module.

Course topics:
1. Theory and practice of corpus linguistics (definition of 'corpus', comparable vs parallel corpora, basic principles of corpus analysis, querying a pre-compiled corpus, collocational profile analysis)
2. Software-assisted EN>IT interlingual subtitling (MateSub and Aegisub)
3. Text translation using the CAT tool Trados Studio 2024
4. Web-based language research techniques and additional technologies useful for translation.

Compulsory readings
- Perego, Elisa. 2024. La traduzione audiovisiva, (nuova edizione) Carocci Editore (to be purchased)
- Manca E., 2004. Translation by Collocation. The Language of Tourism in English and Italian. Birmingham: TWC. (open access, provided by the lecturer)
- Manca, Elena. 2012. Context and Language. Lecce: Salento University Publishing (open access, provided by the lecturer)

The final assessment is structured as follows:
1. Submission of an EN>IT subtitling project (to be completed in groups)
2. Oral examination in English:
- discussion of the submitted project
- three theory questions for each student. The questions will cover all topics addressed during the course (corpus linguistics, subtitling, Trados Studio 2024). Examples of possible questions will be provided during the course.

NB: With regard to corpus linguistics, the oral examination will focus exclusively on basic theoretical and methodological knowledge. Practical skills in querying and analysing corpora using AntConc will instead be assessed through a compulsory assignment based on classroom activities and submitted during the course. Submission of this assignment is a requirement for admission to the final examination.

written and oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

1. EN>IT subtitling project (15 points)
a) Adherence to technical subtitling guidelines (up to 7 points)
• 0= failure to follow the fundamental technical subtitling guidelines, resulting in a product that does not meet the required standards (e.g. missing or systematically incorrect punctuation, syntactically inappropriate line breaks, failure to mark off-screen voices, mismatch between the video and the submitted file, systematic formal errors and typos)
• 1-2= sufficient adherence to the basic guidelines, but with numerous inaccuracies (e.g. failure to mark off-screen voices, punctuation requiring improvement, line breaks not always governed by syntactic criteria)
• 3-4= good adherence to the guidelines and correct use of punctuation, but with some inaccuracies
• 5-6 = good adherence to the guidelines, correct use of punctuation and line breaks, and ability to identify and correct inaccuracies and/or oversights
• 7= full and accurate application of the technical subtitling guidelines

b) Quality and effectiveness of the translation in relation to the translation strategies applied (up to 8 points)
• 0= errors in the interpretation of the source text (ST)
• 1-2= acceptable translation, but poorly aligned with the principles of subtitling, with unnatural target-language formulations and/or failure to recognise cultural issues
• 3-4= good translation, but with strategies that are not always appropriate and numerous formulations requiring improvement
• 5-6= effective translation, with only a few minor aspects requiring improvement
• 7= highly effective and appropriate translation, characterised by accurate translation choices, with only very minor inaccuracies
• 8 = fully effective and appropriate translation, characterised by accurate and natural translation choices that are fully suited to the specific features of the audiovisual text

NB: Minimum pass thresholds
• adherence to the technical subtitling guidelines: minimum 4/7 points;
• quality and effectiveness of the translation in relation to the translation strategies applied: minimum 5/8 points.

2. Oral examination: project discussion + three theory questions (15 points)
a) Ability to discuss and self-assess the project (up to 6 points)
• 0= inability to discuss the choices made and/or identify evident problems in the project
• 1-2= predominantly descriptive discussion, with limited ability to justify the strategies adopted, identify possible problems, and propose alternatives
• 3-4= good ability to justify the main translation and technical choices and critically assess the work carried out, despite some significant inaccuracies in the analysis and/or in identifying possible alternatives
• 5= informed and well-argued discussion of the choices made, with good self-assessment skills and the ability to propose relevant alternatives; any inaccuracies are minor and do not compromise the overall quality of the reflection
• 6= fully informed and critical discussion, with precise justification of the strategies adopted, effective self-assessment, and the ability to propose and compare relevant alternative solutions

b) Three theory questions (up to 9 points - 3 points per question)
• 0= no answer or a substantially incorrect answer; insufficient subject knowledge and/or use of English that significantly compromises the comprehensibility of the answer
• 1= minimal and partial knowledge of the topic, expressed with uncertainty and/or inaccuracies; limited accuracy in the use of English and disciplinary metalanguage, while still allowing the essential content to be understood
• 2=good knowledge of the topic, despite some minor inaccuracies or uncertainty; generally clear and correct spoken English and appropriate use of metalanguage;
•3= full and precise knowledge of the topic.

The course will be taught partly in English (subtitling and corpus linguistics) and partly in Italian (Trados Studio 2024). Lessons will initially be lecture-based and will then become predominantly interactive. Active participation in exam-preparation activities and discussions, both in class and on Moodle, is an integral part of the learning process.
Students are advised to have access to their own well-performing PC and, where possible, to bring it to class when requested. Trados Studio 2024 runs on PCs with a Windows operating system. The software can also be used on Macs, but a Windows virtual machine must be installed in order to run it.
Students must enrol on the Moodle course indicated on the course webpage and refer to the materials available there when preparing for the examination. Materials will be made available weekly. Attendance is compulsory for 75% of the total scheduled teaching hours, in accordance with the MLC Teaching Regulations.

PCs will be required for a substantial proportion of the classes (one PC for every three students is sufficient).
The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus according to the progress of the class and any difficulties that may arise.

Important:
Given the complexity of the topics covered, students who are unable to attend for various reasons (Erasmus mobility, prolonged illness, work commitments, etc.) are invited to contact the instructor (mariaelisa.fina@unive.it) in good time to receive guidance aimed at reducing any disadvantage resulting from non-attendance.

Minimum system requirements for Trados Studio 2024
64-bit Intel or compatible processor, 8 GB RAM, and a screen resolution of 1024 x 768.
Compatible processors include:
• Intel Core (i3, i5, i7, i9 and Core Ultra)
• AMD Ryzen (3, 5, 7, 9)
• Other processors compatible with x64 architecture and 64-bit Windows 10/11

For optimal performance, a 64-bit operating system, 16 GB RAM, an SSD, and a recent-generation Intel or compatible CPU are recommended.
Release notes available here: https://docs.rws.com/api/ishbinary/1145319/802650

FURTHER INFORMATION ON ASSESSMENT
The final mark, expressed out of 30, will be determined by the sum of the scores obtained in the subtitling project (up to 15 points) and the oral examination (up to 15 points).
The score awarded for the subtitling project will be the same for all group members; the score for the assessment of theoretical knowledge will reflect each student's individual performance.
The Italian Lode (with distinction) may be awarded to students with a final grade of 30/30 who, in both assessments, demonstrate full mastery of the expected knowledge and skills, a high level of operational autonomy, strong critical and decision-making skills, and particular awareness in the use of translation technologies.
IMPORTANT: Poor or no knowledge of the theoretical content will result in a FAIL for the examination. The score obtained for the subtitling project will be retained, but the oral examination - limited to the three theory questions - must be retaken.
In order to sit the examination, students must complete and submit via Moodle a number of compulsory assignments, which will be specified on the Moodle course page as the course progresses.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Cities, infrastructure and social capital" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development