OVERVIEW

The course consists of two parts: a Theoretical module (36 hours) and a Translation and interpreting practice module (80 hours) for a total of 12 ECTS.

The Theoretical module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of pragmatics and discourse analysis and develops the essential skills for the analysis of written and oral texts in Spanish. The Translation and interpreting practice module consists of exercises in back translation and interpretation.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course offers theoretical foundations and intensive training to provide students with advanced skills in translation and interpreting between Spanish and Italian.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Theoretical module

• Know the main models of pragmatics, identify the fundamental units of analysis of the discipline and the specific factors that contribute to the interpretation of texts in different communicative contexts in Spanish;
• Know the basic notions of discourse analysis applied to the study of the Spanish language, identify and recognize the units of analysis of textual linguistics and a number of fundamental concepts such as "text" and its properties and characteristics;
• Understand and analyze structured and complex texts in Spanish, both written and oral and belonging to different discursive genres, in an adequate and in-depth way, using specific and appropriate disciplinary terminology and vocabulary and grasping the different types of meaning expressed by the interaction between linguistic units, textual properties and the interactional context.
• Communicate in Spanish through different types of academic and professional genres and texts, and consciously design rhetorical-discursive sequences and strategies based on the multiple factors that structure the register as a semiotic construct.

Translation and interpreting practice module

• Recognize, analyze and translate into Spanish different text types, and identify the appropriate translation methods and techniques to be applied in each case;
• Recognize and analyze contrastive structures, with particular reference to morphosyntactic aspects that are the source of recurring errors for Italian speakers;
•  Acquire knowledge, skills and interpretative abilities related to the field of dialogic interpretation in order to apply effective strategies for the Italian-Spanish combination.

TEACHING METHODS

The theoretical module is divided into lectures held by the teacher in which the theory will be presented, and practical lessons in which the theory will be applied to concrete examples and exercises through group work, presentations and individual research.

In the Translation and interpreting practice modules, various types of written and oral practical exercises will be carried out in order to develop the skills and abilities specified in the learning objectives.

Please note that non-attending students are required to get in touch with the teacher to agree on any alternative course syllabus and additional reading list.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

In order to achieve the learning objectives, the following content will be presented:

Theoretical module

• Pragmatics: definitions, notions and models applied to the analysis of Spanish communication;
• Discourse analysis: definitions, models and units of analysis; oral and written discourse, the text and its properties, discourse genres, textual sequences and typologies.
• Written communication in academic and professional contexts in Spanish: discursive genres, linguistic and rhetorical strategies.

Translation and interpreting practice module

• Translation from Italian into Spanish: translation of various text types. In order to be allowed to take the final test, students will be required to hand in 3 to 5 assignments.
• Interpreting: sight translation and business and community interpreting practice. Students will also be required to hand in two assignments (a glossary and a self-assessment exercise) per area.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Muñoz-Basols, J., Moreno, N., Taboada, I., & Lacorte, M. (2017): Introducción a la lingüística hispánica actual: teoría y práctica, Oxford/New York, Routledge. (cap. 5)

Calsamaglia Blancafort, H., Tusón Valls, A. (2012): Las cosas del decir. Manual de análisis del discurso. Barcelona, Ariel, 3° ed. (caps. 1, 8, 9)

Escandell, M.V. (2006): Introducción a la pragmática. Barcelona, Ariel, 2ª ed. actualizada (caps. 1, 2)

Montolío, E. (dir.) (2018): Manual de escritura académica y profesional (Vol. I y II). Estrategias gramaticales y discursivas. Barcelona, Ariel. (caps. 8, 9, 10).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester (February 2026)

Class schedule

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND TRANSLATION III

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Theoretical module: The exam consists of a written test divided into a discourse analysis exercise and a series of open questions about the theoretical and practical contents of the syllabus.

Translation module. The exam consists of a translation exercise from Italian into Spanish of an approximately 200-word text in a PC-equipped room. 

Interpreting module. The exam consists of a dialogue interpreting simulation on either of the topics dealt with during the course, and a sight translation (both from and into Spanish) on the topic other than that of the simulation. Students will be allowed to browse the glossary created during the course. The exam will also include self-assessment.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Theoretical module. The written test will assess the ability to apply the acquired knowledge critically to the analysis of written discourse in Spanish.

Translation from Italian into Spanish: syntactic, spelling and stylistic accuracy and relevance of the translation. Content equivalence in terms of completeness, precision, accuracy and adequacy. In order to be allowed to take the exam, students will be required to hand in 3-5 assignments. 

Interpreting: the following parameters will be assessed: 1) adequacy and correctness in both languages; 2) non-verbal communication skills, 3) functional equivalence and content "user-friendliness". Home assignments will also be part of the grade.

Final grade: 1/3 Theoretical Module +  2/3 Lettorato

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students are required to register to the Aulaweb e-learning platform of the course at the beginning of the academic year.

Students with a certified DSA, disability or other special educational needs are required to contact the teachers and Prof.ssa Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it) at the beginning of the course in order to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools.