TECHNOLOGY FOR TRANSLATION: APPROACHES AND TOOLS (ENGLISH)

The course Technologies for translation: methods and tools (English) is part of the activities defined as ‘affini/integrative’ (supplementary) of the degree course in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation. The course includes 30 hours of instruction, spread over six months. The course aims to provide knowledge and competences on key technology for translation, with a focus on computer-assisted translation, Corpus Linguistics applied to translation, and software for subtitling.

By the end of the course, students are expected to acquire the following:

Knowledge and Understanding
- key concepts of Corpus Linguistics and use of the software AntConc
- theory and practice of subtitling aimed at using specific software (AegiSub, Matesub)
- computer-assisted translation (CAT) vs neural machine translation: key concepts
- computer-assisted translation: basic use of Trados Studio 2022 and Matecat

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- being able to analyse corpora for understanding the way language is used in context
- being able to search a corpus using AntConc
- being able to carry out Web-based research to check the use of language in context
- being able to translate short audiovisual excerpts from English into Italian by means of specific software (Aegisub and Matesub)
- being able to translate documents using Trados Studio 2022 and Matecat

Making judgements
- being able to recognise potential translation equivalents in corpus-based translation
- being able to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of neural machine translation and computer-assisted translation
- being able to synthesize the dialogues in an audiovisual product for subtitling

Communication skills
- being able to use appropriate metalanguage in language anlysis
- being able to communicate one's own ideas

Learning skills
- being able to monitor and assess progress in learning translation technologies
- being able to self-orient in the use of specific software

- English language skills at least at level B2
- Excellent knowledge of the Italian language (for international students at least a B2 level is required)
- Excellent computer skills (web research, word processing, program installation)
- Positive attitude towards technology
- Positive attitude towards teamwork
A good level of autonomy in study methods and a solid cultural background will facilitate smooth acquisition of the knowledge provided during the course.

The course will cover the following topics:

1. Corpus linguistics applied to translation (definition of 'corpus', comparable vs parallel corpora, basic principles of corpus analysis, consultation of pre-assembled corpora)
2. Subtitling EN>IT using software
3. Basic concepts of computer-assisted translation (CAT)
4. Translation of texts using CAT tools (basic skills)
Other content includes techniques for Web-based linguistic research and additional technologies useful for translation.

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

Optional readings
- Tognini Bonelli, Elena. 2001. Corpus Linguistics at Work. Amsterdam: John Benjamins (available at the university library BALI)

The final exam consists of the following parts:
1. Submission of a mini-project on Corpus Linguistics (mandatory group work)
2. Submission of a mini-project on EN>IT subtitling (mandatory group work)
3. Oral interview in English (15 minutes per group): discussion of the submitted projects, followed by 2 theoretical questions for each student (examples of questions will be provided during the course)
Information regarding the scores for each part and assessement criteria will be provided in the first lesson of the course.

The course will be conducted primarily in English, with lessons initially delivered in a lecture format and then becoming predominantly interactive. Active participation in exam preparatory activities and discussions (both in class and on Moodle) is an integral part of the learning process.
All students are advised to have their own high-performance PC and, if possible, bring it to class when requested. It is possible to borrow one from the Campus for individual lessons. For the use of Trados 2022, it is preferable to use a PC with a Windows operating system. The software also works on MAC devices. However, in this case, it will be necessary to install a tool that allows the software to function (more information will be provided during the course).
It is mandatory to enrol in the Moodle course indicated on the course webpage and to refer to the materials contained therein for exam preparation. The materials will be made available on a weekly basis. Attendance, as per the Regolamento Didattico of MLC, is mandatory for 75% of the total scheduled class hours.

Italian

In most of the lessons, students will need to use their own laptops (one laptop for every three students is sufficient).
This syllabus may be modified during the course based on the students’ progress and any difficulties that may arise.

Important information:
Given the complexity of the topics, students who are unable to attend for various reasons (Erasmus mobility, prolonged illness, work, etc.) are encouraged to contact the lecturer (mariaelisa.fina@unive.it) in advance to receive guidance aimed at mitigating any disadvantages due to their absence.

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