Italiano 412: Teoria e Pratica della Traduzione
Autunno 2017, Penn State University
Prof.ssa: Sherry Roush, Ph.DLezioni: martedì/giovedì 10,35-11,50
Tel: 865-1133Aula: 308 Willard
Email:
Ufficio: 147 Burrowes
Ore di ricevimento: martedì 9,15-10,15, giovedì 12-13, e per appuntamento
Welcome to “Theory and Practice of Translation.” Translation consists of much more than converting one language to another. This course explores the technical, artistic, and practical applications of translation between Italian and American cultures. By the end of the course, successful students will have developed greater linguistic sensitivity in both Italian and English language usage through the study of linguistic registers and nuances in language and the practice of translation in various contexts (such as colloquial, sacred, literary, obscene, and comedic contexts). Students will experiment with mechanical translation (particularly computer programs that offer translations between languages) and will become better judges of translation quality and effectiveness. Students will also be introduced to intersemiotic translation, becoming more fluent in the signs, symbols, and “body language” of Italian culture. Ultimately, the demands of translation should lead to a richer understanding of the purpose and power of effective communication in one’s native language as well. This course is taught primarily in Italian, though readings and assignments will involve advanced work in both Italian and English. Although the minimum prerequisite is any 300-level Italian course, students get the most out of this course by taking it after more than one advanced-level Italian course and as close to graduation as possible. If you do not have junior standing, you must consult with the instructor prior to taking this course.
Required Texts:
- In Other Words, by Jhumpa Lahiri.
- A substantial Italian-English Dictionary, such as Il nuovo dizionario inglese Garzanti.
- Other materials posted to Canvas or on reserve in the library.
Final Grade:
The final grade for the course is based on eight aspects, according to the following criteria.
- 20 Points. Final translation project. The final translation project for this course is due on or before midnight, Monday, December 11. Topics for the projects must be presented in writing no later than Thursday, November 16 (see below). Students are encouraged to do highly individualistic projects, such as critical comparisons of professional translations, original translations of technical or literary texts, film subtitles, renditions of musical lyrics, controlled experiments with mechanical translations, among others. Required length of the project will be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the translation difficulties and demands of the texts or other media selected by the student. The final individual translation project must be completely different than other work submitted in the class (such as the pair presentation). More detailed guidelines are available on Canvas.
- 20 Points. In-class exercises and homework assignments. These activities vary in content, including grammar exercises, practice translations, summaries/reactions in Italian of theoretical articles written in English, and critiques of professional translations. Evaluation for this aspect depends on the student’s accuracy and/or the degree of thought or sophistication employed in responses.
- 20 Points. Critical Engagement with Jhumpa Lahiri’s book. Students read and ponder Lahiri’s approach to translation, foreign language learning, and self-understanding vis-à-vis a different culture, then keep a similar notebook of language reflections in Italian over the course of the semester. This assignment takes the place of the graded quizzes of past semesters, but demands the equivalent intensity of self-directed language study. Minimum length is 12 pages, double-spaced, proofread Italian due to Canvas or via email attachment on or before midnight, November 9, but the notebooks receiving the highest evaluations will likely be longer, demonstrating maturation in thought concerning language learning and translation. This assignment is not just a recensione, or critical book review. Lahiri’s project should inspire students to consider linguistic or cultural aspects of translation, or any other perspectives of interest -- including, but not limited to, comparing this work to others on translation theory or investigating the background of the book’s English translator, for instance. The best Lahiri-inspired notebooks will also include personal reflections, consisting of strategies for overcoming Italian grammar “blocks,” lessons learned while traveling or living in a foreign culture, favorite words or expressions in the Italian language along with explanations for the choices, reasons why students opted to study Italian (as opposed to other languages) in the first place, ambitions to study other languages (if applicable), attitudes toward the use/abuse of language in societal contexts, etc.
- 15 Points. Class participation. Highest grades for this aspect will be given to those students who come to class prepared every day, having read the material for each class, and participate actively with a high degree of enthusiasm in class discussions. In class participation, the most points (13-15) are generally earned by students who volunteer intelligent comments consistently. Points in the 9-12 range are typically earned by students who actively participate, but may be less thoughtful or less consistent in their contributions. Roughly 5-8 points are typically earned by students who are prepared and come to class, but make little or no contribution to discussions unless called upon by the instructor. Only 1-4 points are earned by students who come to class, but are not prepared and/or not engaged in class discussions. No points will be given to students who are chronically absent or tardy or who openly hinder class discussion in some way (such as by sleeping, using cell phones/other electronic devices, etc.). For the purposes of Canvas, 7 points will be assigned at midterm (during Week 7), and the remaining 8 points will be assigned during Week 15.
- 15 Points. Class presentation. Pairs of students lead approximately 8-10-minute presentations in class. Precise dates and partners will be determined during the first month of classes. The presentation should be a collaborative project, though students will be evaluated individually. On the day of your presentation, please hand in a 2-3 sentence report in Italian, signed by both students, detailing the contributions of each presenter. Topics for the presentations should be discussed with me at least two weeks before the presentation.
- 5 points. Final translation project description. Project descriptions are due on or before Thursday, November 16. For individual assistance in determining the nature and extent of a final project, please do not hesitate to discuss it with me during the individual conference or office hours.
- 5 points. Individual conference. Understanding the intellectual goals and interests of my students is important enough to me to ask that every student drop in during my office hours or make an appointment to talk with me for approximately 15-30 minutes once before the end of the sixth week of class (that is before Friday, September 29). This activity is worth 5 points and cannot be “made up” if it is missed or delayed until the second half of the semester. During my conference with you, I am interested in learning what topics in this course are of greatest interest to you and why, which aspects of the course are difficult or unclear to you and what I can do to assist your learning, what ideas you might have for your final project/paper, what you are learning from your reading of Lahiri’s book, how this course fits into your major/minor/broader university course curriculum, or any similar discussion topic of your choice. The only way to prepare for your conference is to have one or two topics in mind to bring up with me. Please note that maximum points are unlikely to be earned by students who put off their individual conference until the last week, or by those who give the impression that they are only meeting with me because it is required. If you must make an appointment, please do so before September 21.
- 0 Points. Quizzes.In past semesters, this component was worth 20% of the final grade. This time, I am experimenting with two self-checking quizzes worth 0 points each. These quizzes vary in content and may include multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank or free-response questions, brief translations, etc. Consistent study of grammar and vocabulary remains a fundamental to translation, but I want to find a way to make it seem less punitive. Careful consideration of the theoretical readings and independent review of the grammar, as well as the exercises and activities done in class, are the best ways to prepare for the quizzes.
Point scale:
A95.0-100.0B+87.7-89.9C+75.0-79.9D60.0-69.9
A-90.0-94.9B83.3-87.6C70.0-74.9
B-80.0-83.2F0.0-59.9
Please note:
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments, contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS) at814-863-1807 (V/TTY). For further information regarding ODS, please visit the Office for Disability Services website at In order to receive consideration for course accommodations, you must contact ODS and provide documentation (see the documentation guidelines at the documentation supports the need for academic adjustments, ODS will provide a letter identifying appropriate academic adjustments. Please share this letter and discuss the adjustments with your instructor as early in the course as possible. You must contact ODS and request academic adjustment letters at the beginning of each semester.
Penn State University defines academic integrity as the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. All students should act with personal integrity, respect other students’ dignity, rights, and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts (Faculty Senate Policy 49-10).
Italian 412 is designed to be an active and collaborative environment. Reading and discussion of translation materials and projects outside of class with others is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the theory and practice of translation. Students may share notes taken during class with other students and must work collaboratively with a translation partner for the class presentation. However, in-class quizzes, the Lahiri-inspired notebook, and the individual final project must be non-collaborative efforts. Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated; it includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating information or citations, facilitating acts of dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. Students who are found to be dishonest will receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further disciplinary sanction.
What good students do when they must miss class:
Students should plan to attend and actively participate in every class. Putting in the consistent effort of study and practice is the best way to make progress in translation and in the learning of a foreign language. There is no exact equivalent to speaking spontaneously in class in Italian and practicing translation skills; thus there is no way to “make up for” too many absences in this kind of course.However, it is understandable that situations will arise necessitating the missing of class, perhaps due to illness, emergencies, job interviews, weddings or funerals, religious observances, conflicts with internships or extracurricular activities, etc. Students are permitted three absences on regular lesson days with no questions asked for any day that is not their peer presentation day, which must be justified immediately in writing. Students who miss no more than three other lessons should ask a peer for class notes and updates on class progress and activities for the lessons missed and hand in their homework assignments via Canvas or email to the instructor by midnight of the due date indicated on the syllabus. Written work that is handed in late automatically receives a lower grade.Absences on the peer presentation day or beginning with the fourth absence must follow university protocol, detailing illness, injury, or family emergency (the only legitimate, unavoidable reasons for absence, according to Penn State’s policy).Requests for missing class or an evaluative event due to reasons that are based on false claims may be considered violations of the policy on Academic Integrity (Policy 49-20). Students are required to provide verification from University Health Services or outside clinicians for significant prolonged illnesses or injuries resulting in absences from classes, as detailed at: Since the two quizzes are self-graded and discussed in class, there is no make-up quiz for this course.
Calendario Provvisorio
MODULO 1: Introduzioni, obiettivi, definire la traduzione, imparare la lingua (propria e straniera)
Settimana 1
Martedì, 22 agosto: Introduzioni. Obbietivi e materiali del corso. Conoscere la propria lingua.
Per giovedì: Studiare il sito “Diagramming sentences”
Giovedì, 24 agosto: Il ruolo della grammatica nella traduzione. Le origini della traduzione. Traduttore-traditore. Modi di pensare all’impossibilità della traduzione.
Per martedì: Compito: Espressioni idiomatiche
MODULO 2: Omonimi, espressioni idiomatiche e colloquiali, neologismi e scherzi
Settimana 2
Ripasso grammaticale: I verbi non finiti: l’infinito, il gerundio, il participio
Martedì, 29 agosto: Come funziona un dizionario? Il problema di omonimi. Riconoscere espressioni idiomatiche.
Per giovedì: Leggere Schopenhauer in Theories, 32-35, e scriverne un riassunto e reazione in italiano.
Giovedì, 31 agosto: Discutere Schopenhauer. Tipologie della traduzione.
Settimana 3
Ripasso grammaticale: I pronomi degli oggetti diretti/indiretti
Martedì, 5 settembre: Giochi di parole. Gli enigmi di La vita è bella.
Per giovedì: Leggere Jakobson in Theories, 144-51, e fare il compito sui registri linguistici.
Giovedì, 7 settembre: Discutere Jakobson. I registri linguistici e il “colore” della lingua.Espressionicolloquiali, slang, ecc.
Da leggere per martedì: Brani scelti da Imbarazzismi.
Settimana 4
Ripasso: Il congiuntivo
Martedì, 12 settembre: Discutere Imbarazzismi. La sfida particolare nella traduzione di neologismi e scherzi. Il senso umoristico e il non traducibile.
Giovedì, 14 settembre: Primo quiz. Discutere i risultati e stimolarne idee per imparare e ricordare meglio le lezioni di traduzione e di grammatica italiana.
MODULO 3: Scoprire le risorse per i traduttori
Settimana 5
Ripasso: Il condizionale
Martedì, 19settembre:SI INCONTRA DIRETTAMENTE IN BIBLIOTECA: W315 Pattee. Manuel Ostos: Resources for Translators.
Da fare per giovedì: Scrivere un elenco di sinonimi per “butt” in inglese, e un secondo elenco di tutti gli insulti che sai dire in italiano.
MODULO 4: La traduzione sacra e profana, e la traduzione letteraria e intramediale
Giovedì, 21 settembre: L’osceno e il volgare. Traduzione e reticenza.
Da fare per martedì: Portare due esempi dello stesso brano di una traduzione sacra.
Settimana 6
Ripasso: Il se-ipotetico
Martedì, 26settembre: Tradurre il sacro. Il ruolo del tempo nella traduzione.
Per giovedì: Leggere Weaver in Craft, 117-24, e scriverne un riassunto e reazione in italiano.
Giovedì, 28settembre: Discutere Weaver. Breve introduzione alla traduzione letteraria: esempio Dante.
Da fare per martedì: Paragonare due traduzioni dello stesso canto dell’Inferno
ULTIMO GIORNO PER LE CONFERENZE INDIVIDUALI: 29 settembre.
Settimana 7
Ripasso: L’uso di preposizioni dopo i verbi
Martedì, 3 ottobre: Discutere le considerazioni artistiche nella traduzione letteraria. Dante: Traduzione tra media.
MODULO 5: Le presentazioni in coppie
Giovedì, 5 ottobre:Presentazioni: ______, ______e ______.
Settimana 8
Ripasso: Verbi al passato: l’imperfetto e i tempi verbali perfetti
Martedì, 10ottobre: Presentazioni: ______, ______e ______.
Giovedì, 12ottobre: Presentazioni: ______, ______e ______.
MODULO 6: La traduzione nel contesto cinematografico
Settimana 9
Ripasso grammaticale: Il passato remoto
Martedì, 17ottobre: Tradurre per il cinema: i titoli e i sottotitoli.
Da studiare per giovedì: Vocabolario sul cinema.
Giovedì, 19ottobre: Una scena daAladdino.
Da studiare per martedì: Il vocabolario di Johnny Stecchino.
Settimana 10
Ripasso grammaticale: Amplificazione del vocabolario
Martedì, 24ottobre: Guardare e discutere Johnny Stecchino.
Da leggere per giovedì: Le ultime pagine della sceneggiatura di Johnny Stecchino.
Giovedì, 26ottobre: Guardare e discutere Johnny Stecchino.La censura. Traduzione tra culture.
Da leggere per martedì: “Scientific and Technical Translation” di S. Harvey et. al.
MODULO 7: La traduzione scientifica, tecnica e meccanica
Settimana 11
Ripasso: Pronomi relativi
Martedì, 31ottobre: Intro al linguaggio tecnico.
Da fare per giovedì: Prova della traduzione tecnica.
Giovedì, 2novembre: Problemi della traduzione tecnica. Le traduzioni più “facili”?
Da fare per martedì: Sperimentare un programma di traduzione meccanica.
Settimana 12
Ripasso: Connettivi
Martedì, 7novembre: Traduzioni meccaniche. L’uso del computer nella traduzione.
Da fare per giovedì: Il compito sull’identificazione dei simboli.
MODULO 8: La traduzione di simboli, segni e gesti
Giovedì, 9novembre: Simboli universalmente riconoscibili.
Consegnare i quaderni ispirati dal libro di Lahiri prima di mezzanotte.
Da leggere per martedì: Il compito sui segni e sui gesti.
Settimana 13
Ripasso: Il futuro
Martedì, 14novembre: Segni e gesti. La comunicazione senza parole.
Per giovedì: Leggere “Becoming a Translator” di D. Robinson e scriverne una reazione initaliano. Lettura facoltativa sulla traduttrice Ann Goldstein.
MODULO 9: Un futuro come traduttore? Carriere possibili e nuove direzioni teoriche
Giovedì, 16novembre: Carriere possibili: traduttori ed interpreti.
Consegnare le descrizioni del progetto finale.
Settimana 14
Ripasso: I pronomi ci/ne
Martedì, 28novembre: Discutere i progetti finali. Ripasso.
Giovedì, 30novembre: Secondo quiz. Discussione.
Settimana 15
Martedì, 5dicembre:Ancora sulla grammatica. Lezioni imparate.
Lettura facoltativa per giovedì: Roush.
Giovedì, 7dicembre:Progetti in corso. Prospettive.
L’ultimo giorno per consegnare i progetti finali è lunedì, 11dicembre.