ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION 2 MOD. 1

The course is part of the basic educational activities common to the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation (MLC). It consists of two modules taught by different lecturers and year-round language practice classes closely integrated with the modules and coordinated by the lecturers responsible for Module 1 and Module 2.

The general aim of the course is to consolidate the metalinguistic competencies needed to describe the English language and to achieve a B2+ operational competence on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The course aims primarily to provide students with the tools required to understand and analyse phenomena of intercultural communication and the role of translation as a practice of mediation between languages and cultures in institutional and promotional contexts (Module 1), and to explore the linguistic and textual features of English through the analysis and translation of journalistic and semi-specialised texts (Module 2 with Professor Linda Rossato).

The course aims to develop students’ ability to critically analyse linguistic, pragmatic and cultural phenomena in English and to apply such knowledge to mediation and translation activities. It also seeks to foster autonomy in the use of the main tools for language learning and translation.

1. Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the main concepts of intercultural pragmatics, with particular reference to the relationship between language, culture and communication; basic knowledge of translation theory and practice as a form of linguistic and cultural mediation; knowledge of the main issues involved in conveying meaning across intercultural contexts.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse phenomena of intercultural communication and apply appropriate translation strategies to informative, promotional and institutional texts. They will also be able to identify and discuss pragmatic and cultural issues arising in translation activities.

3. Making judgements
Students will be able to critically apply the knowledge acquired during the course to the analysis of communicative and intercultural phenomena and to the evaluation of different translation solutions.

4. Communication skills
Students will develop upper-intermediate (B2+) skills in the comprehension, production and analysis of texts in English. They will be able to discuss the topics covered in the course using appropriate specialised terminology and present their arguments in a clear and structured manner.

5. Learning skills
Students will be able to autonomously select and use bibliographical materials and digital resources for the study of intercultural pragmatics and translation. They will also be able to critically reflect on processes of linguistic and cultural mediation.

• English at B2 level of the CEFR.
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of pragmatics and discourse analysis.
• A strong command of the mother tongue (usually Italian).

A certain degree of autonomy in the study method and a solid cultural background will foster and facilitate the acquisition of the topics covered in the module.

The English Language and Translation 2 course is composed of three parts:
1. Theoretical Module 1 (Prof. Giuseppe De Bonis) – first semester.
2. Theoretical Module 2 (Prof. Linda Rossato) – second semester.
3. Language Practice Classes ("esercitazioni") with the CEL.

Title of Module 1: “From Intercultural Pragmatics to Translation”.
Module 1 (Prof. De Bonis) will be taught mainly in English and will cover the following topics:

Part I – Intercultural Pragmatics
• Intercultural pragmatics and communication
• Speech acts, politeness and impoliteness across cultures
• Schemas, scripts and conversation in intercultural contexts

Part II – Introduction to Translation
• Translation as intercultural mediation
• Translating museum and art gallery websites
• Translating advertising and promotional texts

For the contents of Module 2, please refer to Professor Rossato’s institutional webpage.

Professor’s Module 1:
Slides, lecture notes and supplementary materials will be made available on the Moodle page of the course.

Recommended textbooks:
• Mullany, L. & Stockwell, P. (2015). Introducing English Language: A Resource Book for Students. Routledge. Selected chapters.
• Cutting, J. & Fordyce, K. (2021). Pragmatics: A Resource Book for Students. Routledge. Selected chapters.
• Colina, S. (2015). Fundamentals of Translation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Chapters 4–5.

The chapters to be studied will be specified at the beginning of the course and made available on the Moodle page. Students may contact the Professor via email at any time for further information.

Grammar:
- Foley, Mark and Hall, Diane (2012). MyGrammarLab. Advanced C1/C2. Pearson. (ISBN: 978-1-40-829911-1)

Monolingual dictionaries (printed or online versions, listed in alphabetic order):
- Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
- Collins Cobuild Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
- Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.
- MacMillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners.
- Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Language practice labs with Dr. Pagotto:
- J. Bygrave, J. Day, L. Warwick and D. Williams (2011). Roadmap Flexi Course Book 1 with eBook & Online Practice Access C1-C2 / Advanced Plus. Pearson Education (ISBN 9781292396255).

The final exam is composed of three parts:
1. Module 1 written test with Prof. De Bonis.
2. Module 2 written test with Prof. Rossato.
3. Oral examination with both lecturers.

Module 1 (Prof. De Bonis)
Written test
The written test lasts 60 minutes and consists of the translation into Italian of a short English text belonging to one of the text types covered during the course. The test will assess students’ ability to identify and address linguistic, pragmatic and cultural issues and to propose translation solutions appropriate to the communicative context and target audience. Students may use monolingual English dictionaries and bilingual English-Italian dictionaries (both printed and online) during the written test. Students whose mother tongue is not Italian may also use bilingual dictionaries between their mother tongue and English (both printed and online).

Oral examination
The oral examination consists of an interview on the topics covered in the intercultural pragmatics component of the course. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the main theoretical concepts discussed during the module and their ability to apply them to the analysis of examples and cases of intercultural communication.

To be admitted to the oral examination, students must have passed both the Module 1 written test and the Module 2 written test.

The final grade will be the average of the marks obtained in Module 1 and Module 2. In order for the final grade to be recorded, students must pass both modules.

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.

The grade for Module 1 will be determined on the basis of the following criteria:

Written translation test (up to 15 points)
• Ability to identify linguistic, pragmatic and cultural issues in the source text (up to 5 points)
• Appropriateness of translation choices in relation to the communicative context and target audience (up to 5 points)
• Linguistic accuracy and overall quality of the translation (up to 5 points)

Oral examination (up to 15 points)
• Knowledge of the theoretical topics covered during the module (up to 5 points)
• Ability to critically analyse theoretical concepts and apply them to concrete examples (up to 5 points)
• Clarity and confidence in presentation, appropriate use of specialised terminology, and ability to discuss topics autonomously and in a well-structured manner (up to 5 points)

The maximum score is 30/30. Honours (cum laude) may be awarded in cases of outstanding performance in both parts of the assessment.

Traditional lecture-based teaching will be integrated with multimedia resources (PowerPoint presentations, websites and authentic materials). Students’ active participation in classroom activities will play a crucial role in the learning process. Activities will be guided by the lecturer and carried out individually or in small groups.

• Module 1 (Prof. De Bonis) will take place in the first semester, while Module 2 (Prof. Rossato) will be held in the second semester.
• All course materials for Module 1 will be made available on the Moodle page of the course.
• Students from previous academic years are strongly encouraged to contact the lecturers to agree on any adaptations to the syllabus or assessment requirements.
• Attendance is compulsory. In order to be admitted to the final examination, students are required to attend at least 75% of the entire course.

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