48
Didactics of Modern Languages
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with:
Theoretical and methodological knowledge:
- Offer a solid understanding of the foundations of translation studies and the main theories of translation.
- Deepen the principles of theoretical and applied linguistics necessary for translation analysis and practice.
- Introduce key concepts of intercultural communication and their impact on the translation process.
- Present translation technologies, tools, and software for translation and the creation of digital resources useful for translation purposes.
Linguistic and cultural competences:
- Strengthen knowledge of the linguistic system (phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical) of both L1 and L2.
- Develop awareness of the cultural specificities of the languages involved and of the main text types (academic, technical, economic-legal, audiovisual, literary).
- Foster the ability to adapt translated texts to different communicative and cultural contexts.
Operational and practical skills:
- Provide practical tools to analyze, understand, and translate texts of medium complexity.
- Develop the ability to use digital resources and IT tools for translation and communication management.
- Encourage the organization and production of content in L1 and L2 for specific communicative purposes.
Critical and professional competences:
- Promote the ability to critically analyze translation choices and linguistic-cultural mediation phenomena.
- Support the development of independent judgment in the study and practice of translation.
- Foster communication skills in multicultural and interdisciplinary contexts, also through the use of digital technologies.
Learning and upskilling abilities:
- Enhance competences for autonomous learning and continuous linguistic and translational improvement.
- Prepare students to pursue further studies and to enter professional contexts related to translation and linguistic mediation.
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of general Linguistics is essential.
Teaching Methods
The course combines theoretical and practical approaches to ensure the acquisition of both knowledge and applied skills. The main teaching methodologies include:
Lectures (42 hours)
- Introduction to the theoretical concepts of Translation Studies, the main translation theories, and linguistic and intercultural aspects, supported by multimedia materials and digital resources.
Guided study and self-learning (2 hours)
- Assigned readings, use of digital platforms, and computer-assisted translation tools (CAT tools) to foster independent learning and the development of professional skills.
Use of digital technologies (4 hours)
- Integration of software tools and online resources for linguistic analysis, terminology management, and translation.
Optional activities
- Optional activities may be proposed to consolidate the knowledge acquired through:
Textual analysis and translation exercises (L1 ↔ L2) on different text types (academic, technical, audiovisual, literary). Collective discussion of translation choices and critical comparison.
- Collaborative translation and revision projects aimed at developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Practical activities simulating real-life contexts of linguistic mediation and intercultural communication.
Assessment Methods
The final exam is designed to assess the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking abilities in line with the Dublin Descriptors:
- Knowledge and understanding of translation theories, text typologies, and linguistic issues applied to translation.
- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding in text analysis and problem-solving in translation.
- Independent judgment in evaluating translation choices and technological tools.
- Communication skills in the use of metalinguistic terminology and in explaining theoretical and practical concepts.
- Learning skills through the critical use of tools and methodologies for translation.
Exam Structure
Written test:
- 21 multiple-choice questions (1 point each, max 21 points) to assess theoretical and terminological knowledge.
- 3 open-ended questions (up to 3 points each, for a total of 9 points) to evaluate critical and applied skills.
- Maximum score for the written test: 30 points.
Optional oral test:
Discussion of theoretical and practical topics to further assess aspects not fully covered by the written exam.
Evaluation Criteria and Grading Scale
- 30–30L: Excellent results. Outstanding understanding of course content, accurate use of metalinguistic terminology, excellent application skills, and independent judgment.
- 27–29: Above-average results, with minor errors. Good knowledge of concepts and ability to apply them effectively.
- 24–26: Good level with some gaps. Adequate understanding and fair application of knowledge.
- 21–23: Sufficient results, with significant gaps. Minimal ability to link theory and practice.
- 18–20: Basic knowledge only, partial application of skills.
- <18: Insufficient. Fundamental concepts have not been acquired. The exam must be retaken.
Texts
1. MUNDAY Jeremy (2012), Manuale di studi sulla traduzione, Bononia University Press.
2. MONTI Johanna (2019), Dalla Zairja alla traduzione automatica - Riflessioni sulla traduzione nell'era digitale, Napoli: Loffredo Editore.
3. MONTELLA, Clara; MARCHESINI, Giancarlo (2007), I saperi del tradurre: analogie, affinità, confronti. FrancoAngeli - Saggi scelti:
- Montella C., “Le nozioni di significato e di senso in traduttologia tra storia, teoria e applicazioni,” pp. 11-44;
- Marchesini G., “Teorie della traduzione e strategie traduttive,” pp. 45-69;
- Monti J., “Localizzazione: il ruolo e i saperi della traduzione,” pp. 173–198.
Contents
The course provides a solid theoretical and practical foundation in the field of translation, with particular focus on the fundamental principles of applied linguistics and intercultural communication. It also introduces technologies for machine and computer-assisted translation from a historical perspective, presenting the various theoretical approaches, their application in translation processes, as well as the evaluation of output quality.
Students will acquire:
- Linguistic and cultural knowledge: study of the phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical systems of L1 and L2; in-depth analysis of major text types (academic, technical, economic-legal, audiovisual, and literary) and contemporary socio-cultural contexts; knowledge of basic principles of intercultural communication and digital resources for translation.
- Practical skills: use of linguistic analysis procedures at various levels (phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical); ability to understand, translate, and produce medium-difficulty texts; effective organization and communication of acquired knowledge, including in digital environments.
- Independent judgment: development of critical thinking in the analysis of texts and translation phenomena, formulating independent evaluations of the interactions between languages and cultures; reflection on the social, scientific, and ethical implications of translation practice.
- Communication skills: interaction in multicultural contexts, mindful use of digital technologies, clear and coherent presentation of concepts, ideas, and evaluations in both L1 and L2 from an intercultural perspective.
Learning skills: enhancement of self-learning abilities to pursue advanced studies, independent management of sources and methodological tools, and consolidation of linguistic and expressive skills.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The course adopts an integrated approach combining theoretical lectures and practical exercises, therefore regular and active participation is strongly recommended. Online materials and digital tools will be used during the lessons, and their independent consultation is essential for a comprehensive and effective learning experience.
Classroom interaction and optional practice activities foster the development of critical and operational skills, which are essential both for exam preparation and for professional training in the field of translation.