English linguistics and translation

Learning outcomes

1) Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the vocabulary, morphosyntactic and pragmatic aspects of the English language at C1+ level (CEFR). Conoscere le diverse strategie traduttive e i diversi strumenti utili alla traduzione. Being familiar with the development of the English language and its sociolinguistic aspects. Knowing and understanding the strategies by which the language is linked to the social context and how it influences it even on the emotional level. Understanding how a verbal or multimodal text can be analysed and understood by means of the tools provided by sociolinguistics. Being aware of the main translation strategies and the various instruments useful for translation.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding
Being able to identify the main language items necessary to perform a fruitful text analysis from the sociolinguistic point of view, including those related to the various text types or to the exploitation of emotions. Being able to apply the acquired knowledge to translate texts of various types. Being able to apply the acquired analytical knowledge from the point of view of translation. Being able to apply the acquired knowledge to different types of texts, placing them in a given social context to highlight how the language, together with emotions, can be a tool of persuasion, influence and discrimination.

3) Making judgements
Drawing on the acquired knowledge and skills, being able to autonomously recognise linguistic and semiotic items, also informed by emotions, relevant to the analysis of a text in a given social context.

4) Communication skills
Achievement of the C1+ level competence of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), regarding both written and oral skills.

5) Learning skills
Self-assessment of the acquired language skills; awareness of one’s own learning needs and goals; ability to understand and interpret a text in English for professional growth; ability to express one’s own thoughts in English in different contexts and for different communicative purposes; ability to use varied sources of information.

The course sets out to delve into the sociolinguistics of the English language with regard to its spread through the world; it consists of three modules:
MODULE A – English Sociolinguistics
The module aims to present the complexity of the English language from a sociolinguistic point of view with the language’s diffusion as a point of departure leading to an analysis of its status in the contemporary period. The various models proposed regarding the spread of the English language will be presented and reference will be made to the language’s links with some historical events.

MODULE B – Scots and English and Len Pennie
Closely linked to module A, module B is dedicated to a presentation and analysis of Scots and English in Scotland, dwelling on the languages’ social roles and values, inspired by the writer Len Pennie and some of her poems, interviews and social media interventions. In this way we will be able to reflect
on the position of Scots and the English language, on their linguistic and cultural characteristics, and on the social roles these languages can have.

MODULO C – English and Scots Varieties and Translation
Module C is dedicated to an analysis of the poems of Len Pennie in relation to the questions that varieties of Scots and the English language pose from a translation point of view with work in the teaching room dedicated to possible Italian translations.

CEFR B2 in English

Study Level: Master

Written exam (obligatory for access to the oral exam)
Oral exam
During examination consideration will be taken of the candidate’s mastery of the course contents and their acquired competences, their linguistic and lexical accuracy and their ability to present an argument.

There will be two course tests:

MODULE A
The test will be a multiple choice quiz.

MODULES B and C
The test will be based on an oral presentation or a piece of written work on a topic related to the module.
Passing these tests means that students can consider the relative parts of the course to have been passed and they may proceed to the oral exam that consists of an interview on the remaining parts of the course and an interview with the language instructors. Access to the oral exam is dependent on passing the written exam.

Students who choose not to take the course tests will be evaluated by means of the final oral exam on all the topics in the course description.