AP/FR 3122 3.00
Contrastive Linguistics for Effective Translation
Contrastive linguistics focuses on the differences and similarities between languages and is crucial for effective translation. This course approaches the differences and similarities between English and French by comparing word formation (morphology), meaning (semantics) and sentence structure (syntax) in both languages. Contrastive linguistics help students identify potential linguistic challenges in the translation process and develop effective translation strategies. This course is not only intended for students interested in translation but also for language learners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between French and English to improve their language acquisition. It is also beneficial to learners considering teaching French as a Second Language (FSL) in the future.
Students are presented with exercises and texts that highlight the linguistic similarities and differences between French and English (i.e. formation of compound words; pre-/post-positions; linguistic valency; use of articles). Students familiarize themselves with key translation methods (i.e. literal translation, transposition) and learn to apply them to the translation of texts that vary in length and complexity and focus on various topics (i.e. newspaper articles; brochures; short excerpts of novels). Students learn to identify errors in (their own or their peers') translations and analyze them from the perspective of contrastive linguistics.
Prerequisites: AP/FR 2100 6.00 (with a minimum grade of C).
Course credit exclusions: none