Ateneo - UPO

Theories and Techniques of German-to-Italian / Italian-to-German Translation: Synchronic and Diachronic Reflections

Ines-Andrea Busch-Lauer (ed.) (2026), Wenn KI auf Fach und Sprache trifft, Berlin: Frank & Timme.
Beck, Wolfgang et al. (eds.) (2026), Deutsch diachron übersetzen: mediävistische, translationswissenschaftliche und linguistische Perspektiven auf das Übersetzen aus dem Mittelhochdeutschen, Boston: De Gruyter.
Wienen, Ursula (2025), Translation von Fachsprache in literarischen Texten, Berlin: Frank & Timme.
Agnetta, Marco et al. (eds.) (2025), Bild - Ton - Sprachtransfer: neue Perspektiven auf audiovisuelle Translation und Media Accessibility, Berlin: Frank & Timme.

At the end of the course students are able to analyze different problems concerning the translation from German to Italian and viceversa could have. Students are also able to identify and use different translation methods and strategies for the languages German-Italian, as well as to analyze different typologies of translation (translation of different textual genres). The course pays special attention to translation by artificial intelligence-based tools.Students could use the competences given by the course in their future translation activities and works.

In order to attend the course students must have passed the integrated exam Lingua tedesca III or must have reach the level B2 (German language). 

Explanation of different topics through frontal lessons. Then seminar lessons characterized by interactive teaching methods, in which students have to take active part in the lessons by doing exercises and presenting the results of their personal researches about the topic of the course.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via reference office consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Written Exam. The written exam consists of two main parts. The first part consists of a series of open-ended questions (generally 5–7 questions), in which students are asked to describe and discuss the theoretical topics covered in depth during the course. This is followed by an exercise analyzing a translation (with the original text provided side-by-side), in which the student must comment on the translation, identifying any issues and specific strategies employed. The written exam lasts a total of 2 hours. The exam is considered passed if the student achieves or exceeds a score of 18/30, obtained by adding up the points assigned to each question. Honors are awarded based on an evaluation of the accuracy, depth, and elaboration of the response. The ability to apply knowledge of translation methodologies (objectives 1/2) is assessed through the analysis of the translated text (second part of the written exam). The ability to form judgments (Objective 3) is assessed through the analysis of the translation and open-ended questions, in which the student is asked to observe, describe, and, where appropriate, compare different translation proposals or translations of various text genres. Communication skills (Objective 4) are assessed through the student’s commentary on the provided translated text and their answers to open-ended questions, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to use appropriate scientific terminology. Learning ability (Objective 5) is assessed through responses to open-ended questions and an analysis of the translation. Students must demonstrate their ability to appropriately use the assigned and recommended readings and to have thoroughly explored the topics covered in class. The grading levels for the exam are defined as follows: Excellent (grade 30 with honors – 28): excellent knowledge of the course topics, use of appropriate linguistic terminology, and excellent ability to apply theoretical knowledge to complete the exercises. Good/Fair (grade 27–22): good knowledge of the course topics, use of appropriate linguistic terminology, ability to apply theoretical knowledge to complete the exercises. Satisfactory (grade 21–18): limited knowledge of the course topics, limited use of appropriate linguistic terminology, limited ability to apply theoretical knowledge to complete the exercises. Unsatisfactory (grade below 18): evident gaps in knowledge at both the theoretical and practical levels; use of inappropriate specialized terminology. Students with disabilities, specific learning disabilities (SLD), or special educational needs (SEN) will be permitted to use assistive devices during the exam.

The course consists of two different parts: a theorical introduction and a more pratical part about problem and translation methods for the languages German-Italian. Authentical texts belonging to different textual genres will be analysed, in order to point out different aspects about translating work, such as linguistic interference and the translation of the so-called Kulturspezifika (for instance several words from the DDR-period). The final part of the course will address key issues related to the use and effectiveness of AI-powered tools in translation practice.

Knowledge and understanding:
1) Knowledge of the recent theories and techniques in the field of translation
2) Knowledge of the proper scientific terminology used to describe the phenomena concerning translation
3) Knowledge of the different translation typologies
Applying knowledge and understanding:
1) Identifying and describing translation practices and techniques in different texts
Making judgements:
1) Making judgements about translation techniques and modalities
2) Being able to evaluate the effectiveness of AI-powered tools in translation practice
Communication:
1) Using the proper scientific terminology to describe translations
Learning skills:
1) Joining abstract theories with their concrete application in translation
2) Learning and deepening translation work on his own