The course aims to provide students with the basics of translation activity in the literary field; in particular, the goal is to acquire the main techniques to deal with both poetic and fiction texts, regardless of the working languages, and to develop a systematic approach to translation while building up experience.
At the end of the course, students are expected to:
(1) illustrate the processes and concrete dynamics that govern the translation of literary texts;
(2) recognise the features of both poetic and fiction texts, especially with reference to the languages studied;
(3) identify the key points and critical issues of a potentially complex text from a translating perspective.
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Lectures, case studies, exercises on selected texts, meetings with researchers and professionals.
Written test: open questions on the course content and the reference bibliography.
Moreover, students are acquired to submit a translation with commentary.
Should this be deemed necessary to verify the actual acquisition of the knowledge and skills outlined in the course’s learning objectives and to ensure that the final mark is assigned correctly, the lecturer reserves the right to request a supplementary oral examination, even after the written test has been taken.
The course aims to provide students with the epistemological, technical and cultural foundations of literary translation theory and its key issues and strategies. This is to define the complex multidisciplinary framework underpinning translation practice from both a diachronic and synchronic perspectives. The course will also address the importance of having and improving syntactic and pragmatic knowledge over time, in both the target and source languages, to manage the text complexity and enhance its communicative effectiveness. In any case, the course mainly aims to develop the translator’s critical and responsible thinking and his/her autonomy as far as the interpretation potential is concerned.
The course is divided into two parts. In the first one, the main literary translation theories developed throughout history will be illustrated, which constitute the methodological basis for practice. In the second part, the main practical translation techniques about poetic and fiction texts will be discussed. Theoretical insights and concrete examples will be offered to help students overcome translation issues and traps at various levels of linguistic, pragmatic and textual analysis.
For further information, please contact the lecturer at the following e-mail address: giancarlo.covella@guest.unibg.it
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While not compulsory, attendance at the course is highly recommended.
Non-attending students are required to contact the lecturer for information on how the exam will be conducted.
