91499 - RESEARCH METHODS FOR TRANSLATION, INTERPRETING AND INTERCULTURAL STUDIES

Learning outcomes

The student - has a working knowledge of the essential theoretical assumptions underlying research on translation, interpreting and intercultural studies - is familiar with the main methods for data collection and analysis in these fields - is able to apply methods and theoretical assumptions appropriately to specific case studies within one or more of the fields of interest - is able to describe the research process and product in written form, in a way that is coherent with the genre conventions of the research article, in English or Italian.

Course contents

The course provides a wide-ranging overview of the main research methods used in translation, interpreting and intercultural studies, as well as providing an illustration of recent developments in these fields. The participants will be introduced to the essential tools and assumptions required to undertake independent research projects leading, among others, to the design and drafting of their Master's dissertation.

The course has two main parts. Part A focuses on methods for data collection and analysis in translation, interpreting and intercultural studies, while part B presents state of the art research results in these fields. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the course, each seminar will be led by one or more experts in the field. Two classes, one at the beginning and one at the end, will introduce the course and discuss participants' research ideas. In particular, part A will focus on:

• Methods for text and corpus analysis [Marco Mazzoleni and Silvia Bernardini]
• Socio-ethnographic methods for data collection through questionnaires [Delia Chiaro]
• Cognitive methods used to explore the translation process [Ricardo Muñoz, guest lecturer]
• Statistical methods for the analysis of textual and sociolinguistic data [Adriano Ferraresi and Rachele Antonini]
• Methods for the analysis of literary texts and literary translation [Maria Zalambani, Chiara Elefante, Adele D'Arcangelo]

  Part B deals with three macro-areas corresponding to the Department's main areas of specialization, namely:

• Interpreting, with a focus on dialogue interpreting (liaison, public service, community), and monologic interpreting (simultaneous and consecutive) [Mariachiara Russo, Amalia Amato, Gabriele Mack, Nicoletta Spinolo, Elio Ballardini, Natacha Niemants]
• Translation, with a focus on scientific and technical translation and machine translation [Eva Wiesmann, Danio Maldussi, Alberto Barrón Cedeño]

Intercultural studies, literary studies and gender studies, with a focus on gender studies, literary translation and the translation of children's literature [Raffaella Baccolini, Adele D’Arcangelo, Valeria Illuminati, Roberta Pederzoli, Beatrice Spallaccia]

Readings/Bibliography

In view of the range and variety of approaches dealt with in the course, references will be provided in advance by each seminar leader.

Teaching methods

Since the structure of the course is modular, participants can attend all or part of it.

Each seminar has an introductory section in which an overview is provided of the method(s) or field(s) of interest, and a more interactive section in which the methods are practiced in simple case studies, or a discussion is conducted on the readings assigned (at least a week) before the seminar.

To stimulate discussion and the exchange of ideas and competences, all members of the Department, including lecturers, researchers, post-docs and doctoral students, are invited to attend the seminars.

Assessment methods

The acquisition of the competences and capacities focused on in the course are verified through observation and interaction in class, as well as through an end-of-course examination.

The examination consists of an essay in Italian or English, dealing with one of the themes of the course. Throughout the course, participants will be prompted to reflect on applications of the methods and knowledge acquired to an independent research project, to be carried out in collaboration with one or more of the seminar leaders, or with other attendees of the course.

The resulting essay is evaluated jointly by S. Bernardini and one or more of the seminar leaders. Equal importance is placed, on the one hand, on innovative value and methodological validity (understanding of theoretical notions, ability to use research techniques and describe the collected data, originality of thought and argumentation); and, on the other, on formal adequacy (lexical, grammatical and structural issues, respect of register and genre convention).

The most deserving essays will be included in a scientific publication intended to represent the range of research being carried out in the Department.

Teaching tools

Seminars will take place in a lecture room with internet, a PC and an overhead projector.

Since teaching takes place In the form of interactive seminars, with ample time devoted to practice, participants are asked, at least for part A, to bring their own portable computers, so as to be able to install and use the software presented.

Teaching materials (readings, slides, project files, software manuals) will be shared through the online Moodle platform.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Bernardini