69754 - Information Mining and Localization (CL1)

Learning outcomes

The student - knows and is able to autonomously select and use the main ICT documentation resources, both traditional and in electronic form; has the specialized and technological competences required for the localization of IT and multimedia products - s/he is able to design, manage and evaluate complex localization projects involving several individuals and areas of expertise, in accordance with professional ethics - s/he is able to autonomously acquire further more advanced competences in the areas of documentation and localization and to apply them to different fields

Course contents

The course is delivered in the first semester and is formed of two parts, one dealing with documentation, the other with localization. 

The first part focuses on the main methods used to search for information in specialised translation and revision tasks. Following a quick overview of the tools and resources available on the web and a practical introduction to text manipulation using regular expressions, the focus will be on the construction and use of specialized electronic corpora and on the integration between the latter and part-of-speech tagged reference corpora that can be consulted online through dedicated query tools.

The second part offers a theoretical introduction to the notion of localization and related concepts such as internationalization and globalization, particularly as they impinge on the role of the translator within complex workflows including other professionals with advanced ICT skills. Two areas are focused upon in particular, which seem especially relevant professionally, namely the localization of web contents and software applications.

Readings/Bibliography

Austermühl, F. (2006). Training translators to localize. In Pym, A. et al., editors, pages 69–82.

Cappelli, G. (2008). The translation of tourism-related websites and localization: Problems and perspectives. In Baicchi, A., editor, Voices on translation, RILA Rassegna Italiana di Linguistica Applicata, pages 97–115. Bulzoni Editore, Roma.

Dunne, K. J., editor (2006). Perspectives on Localization. Benjamins, Amsterdam and Philadelphia.

Esselink, B. (2000). A practical guide to localization. Benjamins, Amsterdam and Philadelphia.

Esselink, B. (2006). The evolution of localization. In Pym, A. et al., editors, pages 21–30.

FOSS Localization/Introduction. Online:  http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FOSS_Localization/Introduction

Lewis, D., Curran, S., Doherty, G., Feeney, K., Karamanis, N., Luz, S., and McAuley, J. (2009). Supporting flexibility and awareness in localisation workflows. The International Journal of Localisation, 8(1):29–38. Online:  http://www.localisation.ie/resources/locfocus/LF_Vol_8_Issue_1.pdf

McDonough, D. J. (2010). (Re)imagining Canada: Projecting Canada to Canadians through localized websites. Translation Studies, 3(3):302–317.

Microsoft. (2012) Verso la globalizzazione: Panoramica sulla localizzazione. Online:  http://msdn.microsoft.com/it-it/goglobal/bb688139

O'Connor, A., Lawless, S., Zhou, D., Jones, G. J., and Wade, V. (2009). Applying digital content management to support localisation.  The International Journal of Localisation, 8(1):39–52. Online:  http://www.localisation.ie/resources/locfocus/LF_Vol_8_Issue_1.pdf

Pierini, P. (2007). Quality in web translation: An investigation into UK and Italian tourism web sites. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 8:85–103. Online:  http://www.localisation.ie/resources/locfocus/LF_Vol_8_Issue_1.pdf

Pym, A. (2004). The moving text: Localization, translation and distribution. Benjamins, Amsterdam and Philadelphia.

Pym, A. (2011). Website localization. In Malmkjaer, K. and Windle, K., editors, The Oxford handbook of translation studies, pages 410–424. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Online:   http://usuaris.tinet.cat/apym/on-line/translation/2009_website_localization_feb.pdf

Pym, A., Perekrestenko, A., and Starink, B., editors (2006). Translation technology and its teaching. Intercultural Studies Group, Tarragona. Online:  http://isg.urv.es/library/papers/isgbook.pdf

Ryan, L., Anastasiou, D., and Cleary, Y. (2009). Using content development guidelines to reduce the cost of localising digital content. The International Journal of Localisation, 8(1):11–28. Online:  http://www.localisation.ie/resources/locfocus/LF_Vol_8_Issue_1.pdf

Teaching methods

Lessons take the form of workshops covering theoretical aspects as well as devoting substantial space to documentation and localization practice.

Theoretical contents are acquired through presentations by the lecturer and, when relevant, readings assigned to the students during the course. Their acquisition is tested by means of individual and small group reports to the class, as well as in the final examination.

The applied part consists of hands-on practice in the lab and homework exercises. These are discussed during troubleshooting sessions in the following class, so as to constantly monitor progress in the development of the technological skills that make the object of the course.

Assessment methods

Students will be assessed by means of two practical tasks, one testing their documentation skills, the other their localization skills. Both will take place under exam condition (in the lab). The documentation exam also includes a short written report on a topic agreed upon with the lecturer.

Teaching tools

Lessons are held in a computer lab with internet connection and beamer.

Since lessons take the form of workshops, with substantial time devoted to pratical hands-on exercises, students have the possibility to become acquainted with the main software programs used in the fields of documentation and localization, both proprietary and open-source/free.

Support materials (sample texts, slides, project files, instructions etc.) are made available through the Moodle e-learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bernardini

See the website of Adriano Ferraresi