Course Objective
Lexicology is a branch of linguistics. This course is taught to translation students as they need to be qualified to handle bilingual or multilingual dictionary-making skills. Furthermore, this course is a great catalyst for the students seeking professionalism in the translation process.
Course Plan
Week (1)
l Introduction to Lexicology and Basic Concepts of Words and Lexicon
The integration of lexicology into translation studies is indispensable. It ensures translations are not just accurate in terms of vocabulary but are also culturally and contextually appropriate. As such, lexicology serves as a bridge for translators, helping navigate the complexities of interlingual communication.
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Week (2)
l Definitions of Words and Lexicon
In Translation Studies, the concept of word definitions and lexicon plays a crucial role in understanding how meaning is transferred across languages.
l Classification of English Words
The classification of English words directly influences translation by guiding how words and meanings are conveyed in the target language. A translator must be aware of semantic distinctions to ensure that the translation is both accurate and culturally appropriate. Additionally, understanding the structure and formation of English words allows the translator to deal with challenges such as lexical gaps, polysemy, and the reordering of sentences in the target language.
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Week (3)
l Brief History of the Development of English Words: Old Age, Middle Age, and Modern Age
Recognizing how words have morphed across Old English, Middle English, and Modern English allows translators to appreciate how meanings have shifted, which is invaluable for translating older texts or interpreting modern texts with historical references.
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Week (4)
l Structuration and Formation of English Words
The relationship between word formation and translation is significant because understanding how words are constructed in one language can aid in accurately translating them into another. For instance, when translating, one must consider not only the literal meanings of words but also their morphological structures. This is particularly important when dealing with languages that have different morphological rules. The process of translation often involves adapting words to fit the grammatical and syntactical norms of the target language, which can include creating new forms or using existing ones in novel ways. Moreover, translation can also involve reduplication and other word formation processes that reflect cultural nuances and linguistic features of both the source and target languages.
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Week (5)
l Lexicon Significance
The lexicon stands at the heart of language and, consequently, at the core of translation studies. Its significance extends far beyond mere word lists, encompassing complex networks of meaning, cultural associations, and cognitive processes. The relationship between lexical studies and translation theory is both crucial and multifaceted, influencing every aspect of the translation process.
As our understanding of the lexicon continues to evolve, so too does our approach to translation. The challenges posed by lexical differences between languages drive innovation in translation methodologies and technologies. At the same time, the practical application of lexical knowledge in translation contributes to our broader understanding of language and communication. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate the complexities of the lexicon across languages is more important than ever. Whether in literary translation, technical documentation, or cross-cultural communication, a deep understanding of the lexicon and its role in translation is essential for effective and meaningful language transfer.
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Week (6)
l Aspectual Word Phenomena
These phenomena refer to the way verbs and phrases convey the temporal structure of events, such as whether an action is completed, ongoing, or habitual. This concept is crucial in linguistics and has significant implications for translation studies.
Aspectual Distinctions Across Languages
Different languages employ various strategies to mark aspect. For instance:
· In Latin and Romance languages, the perfective-imperfective distinction is prominent in the past tense, differentiating between completed actions (preterites) and ongoing or habitual actions (imperfects) .
· Mandarin Chinese, lacking tense markers, relies heavily on aspectual markers to indicate the temporal characteristics of events.
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Week (7)
l Collocations
Collocations play a pivotal role in translation studies. They present unique challenges due to linguistic and cultural differences, but employing approaches like corpus linguistics and Meaning-Text Theory can help translators overcome these challenges. Accurate translation of collocations is crucial for maintaining the naturalness and effectiveness of the translated text.
The accurate translation of collocations significantly enhances the quality of the translated text. It makes the translation more effective and powerful by preserving the naturalness and fluency of the original text. Conversely, mistranslations or awkward renderings of collocations can lead to "translationese," where the translated text sounds unnatural or stilted.
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Week (8)
l Contextual Texture and Wording
Contextual texture refers to the relationship between concepts and relations that underlie a text, making it coherent and relevant. In the field of text linguistics, texture is crucial as it prevents a text from being a mere collection of isolated sentences. This concept is also relevant in Translation Studies, where the socio-cognitive approach helps identify the elements of context and processing, and the relationships between them. When it comes to wording, the relationship to contextual texture is that the words used in a text contribute to its cohesion and rhetorical organization. This is particularly important in the context of translation studies, where the translator must consider the cultural and linguistic nuances of the source and target languages. The translation of wording, therefore, requires a deep understanding of the contextual texture of both the source and target texts.
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Week (9)
l Mid-term Exam
l Discussion of the Mid-term Exam Questions
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Week (10)
l Types of Offline and Online Dictionaries
Dictionaries play a crucial role in the translation process by providing essential linguistic resources that aid translators in achieving accuracy and efficiency. Different types of dictionaries serve various functions, each contributing uniquely to the translation process.
Types of Dictionaries and Their Roles
l Monolingual Dictionaries
These are often used by translators to understand the nuances of words in the source language, helping with comprehension and ensuring accurate translation of meanings and contexts.
l Bilingual /Multilingual Dictionaries
These provide direct translation equivalents and are particularly useful for translating technical and literary texts, idioms, and colloquial expressions. They serve as a primary tool for finding equivalent words in two languages for bilingual dictionaries and more than language in multilingual dictionaries.
l Etymological Dictionaries
These are valuable for understanding the historical development and origins of words, which can be crucial for translating texts that require a deep understanding of word usage and evolution.
l Specialized Dictionaries
These are designed for specific fields such as medicine, technology, or engineering, providing precise terminology that is essential for translating specialized texts accurately.
Integrated dictionary features
Some software applications or web browsers may have built-in dictionary functions that access online databases.
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Week (11)
l How to Design a Monolingual Terminological Record?
Translation students often work with specialized texts that contain domain-specific terminology. A monolingual terminological record helps them understand these terms within their own language, ensuring clarity and accuracy in translation tasks.
By documenting and standardizing terms within a monolingual framework, students can ensure that all team members or collaborators use consistent terminology. This is particularly important in professional settings where misunderstandings can lead to costly errors.
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Week (12)
l How to Design a Bilingual/Multilingual Terminological Record?
Designing bilingual and multilingual terminological records helps translation students develop a deeper understanding of terminology across languages, which is crucial for effective translation.
Designing these records enhances the students’ ability to identify, analyze, and manage terms in different languages, improving their overall terminological competence.
Working with multilingual records exposes students to various linguistic and cultural nuances, helping them appreciate the complexities of translation and the importance of context.
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Week (13)
l Practice on Designing Terminological Fields (I)
Teacher helps students know how to apply the theoretical content into practical form.
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Week (14)
l Practice on Designing Terminological Fields (II)
Teacher addresses the difficulties the students envisage while designing the records.
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Week (15)
l How to Make a Dictionary? (I)
Students will learn how to make a dictionary online. Creating online dictionaries for translators plays a vital role in enhancing their work efficiency, accuracy, and overall productivity. Here are some key aspects of this role:
The Vital Role of Making Online Dictionaries for Translators
1. Enhanced Accessibility
- Global Reach: Online dictionaries are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing translators to work remotely and efficiently.
- Convenience: They provide instant access to a vast database of words, meanings, and translations, saving time compared to traditional print dictionaries.
2. Comprehensive Resources
- Multilingual Support: Online dictionaries often include bilingual and multilingual options, which are crucial for translators working with multiple languages.
- Specialized Dictionaries: These cater to specific fields like law, medicine, or technology, ensuring translators have accurate terminology.
3. Collaborative Learning and Updates
- Community Engagement: Some online dictionaries allow users to contribute new words or meanings, fostering a collaborative environment that helps keep the dictionary updated with the latest terminology.
- Regular Updates: Online dictionaries are regularly updated to include new words, phrases, and language trends, ensuring translators have access to the most current language resources.
4. Advanced Features
- Audio Pronunciations: Many online dictionaries provide audio pronunciations, which can help translators ensure correct pronunciation in their work.
- Example Sentences: These provide context, helping translators understand how words are used in different situations.
- Integration with Other Tools: Online dictionaries can integrate with translation software, enhancing the translation process by providing quick access to definitions and translations.
5. Efficiency and Accuracy
By providing accurate and up-to-date terminology, online dictionaries help reduce errors in translations.
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Week (16)
l How to Make a Dictionary? (II)
Students will continue to learn how to create an AI-powered dictionary.
· Using AI in Batches: If working with large amounts of data, class groups ask the AI to process multiple entries at once.
· Defining the Scope: Each class group decides on whether their dictionary will be for general use or a specific niche (e.g., medical, legal, academic) for better AI customization.
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Week (17)
l Practicum on How to Make a Dictionary & Utilization of Technology (I)
Teacher orients the class groups around a project of creating an AI-powered dictionary.
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Week (18)
l Practicum on How to Make a Dictionary & Utilization of Technology (II)
Teachers discuss the Project with the class groups.
l Talking about the Final Exam
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Week (19)
l Final Exam
All the questions of the Final Exam are directly related to all the materials that have been studied during the course.
l Project
All the class groups hand in their Dictionary Project to the teacher.
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