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79358-01 - Seminar: Pragmatics of Translation (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Simona Nisticò (simona.nistico@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | In this course, we will explore translation as a form of situated language use by drawing on key concepts in pragmatics and discourse analysis. Focusing on how meaning is constructed, inferred and negotiated across languages, we will examine phenomena such as implicature, speech acts, deixis, politeness, stance-taking and the representation of interactional dynamics. Particular attention will be given to how these pragmatic features are reshaped in translation, and to how translators mediate interpersonal and implied meanings as well as contextual cues for new audiences. Through the analysis of texts and their translations from different genres (e.g. literary, audiovisual, institutional), we will investigate both recurrent challenges and strategies in rendering pragmatic meaning across linguistic and cultural contexts. Combining theoretical discussion with the analysis of authentic data, the course will provide insights into the role of pragmatics in translation and its implications for translation practice and research. |
| Learning objectives | By the end of this course, students • know key concepts in pragmatics and discourse analysis relevant to translation • can explain how translation choices affect the representation of meaning, interaction, and interpersonal relations • can apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of pragmatic phenomena in translated texts across different genres • can critically reflect on the challenges and strategies involved in translating pragmatic meaning across languages and cultures |
| Bibliography | All course readings will be made available on ADAM. |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | This course is open to BA students of English who have passed all three BA introductory modules (including the proseminar papers) |
| Course application | Please register for this course on services unibas. In order to ensure a good learning environment, we aim at no more than 20 students per linguistics seminar. We ask you to sign up for classes via the ADAM registration surveys, which will open on 1 August 2026, 10am (CEST), and close on 18 September 2026, 2pm (CEST): https://adam.unibas.ch/goto_adam_crs_1623802.html **Please only register for a maximum of TWO seminars and only for more than one if you really intend to take both courses.** Should you have not made it into one of the courses and you are only able to register on the list in a position higher than 20, we guarantee that we will take you in the course with the least student numbers. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17.09.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 24.09.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 01.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 08.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 15.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 22.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 29.10.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 05.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 12.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 19.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 26.11.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 03.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 10.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Thursday 17.12.2026 | 12.15-14.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Modules |
Module: Advanced English Linguistics (Bachelor's degree subject: English) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Active participation, short written assignment, and an oral presentation based on the written assignment |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |