In this course we examine issues related to translation as a text science and its association with linguistics (text linguistics and sociolinguistics mainly) and the philosophy of language; issues related to terminology used internationally and the concepts of equivalence and synonymity are studied. We investigate the origins of translation as a cognitive process in Plato’s Cratylus, Aristotle’s Peri Ermineias (On Interpretation), in Dionysius of Halicarnassus’ Περί συνθέσεως ονομάτων (On the Arrangement of Words) and in Cicero’s De Oratore

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will:

• Be familiarized with translation as a separate branch of Linguistics and Language Philosophy.
• Recognize the most significant concepts of translation theory (how equivalence and synonimity, the two pillars of translation thinking, work, primary-secondary translations, the semantic and nominal nature of translation etc.)
• Recognize the international terminology
• Have gained the necessary theoretical background which can be used as the theoretical pillar of future semesters’ essays and which will accompany them during their professional career

Be aware of the secret nuances of translation process

Week 1: Translation definitions

Week 2: Translation and Linguistics, I

Week 3: and Linguistics, II

Week 4: Roman Jakobson on equivalence

Week 5: On Translation and Philosophy of Language, I

Week 6: On Translation and Philosophy of Language, II

Week 7: Equivalence in the translation process

Week 8: Synonymity in the translation process

Week 9: The translation thought

Week 10: Plato «Cratylus»

Week 11: Aristotle «On Interpretation»

Week 12: «On the Arrangement of Words»

Week 14: Cicero «De Oratote»

Suggested reading:

Selected excerpts from the works taught in class,

Γιώργος Κεντρωτής, «Θεωρία και πράξη της μετάφρασης», Δίαυλος, Αθήνα, 1997.

George Steiner, “After Babel”, 1998.

Face-to-face/ Lecture. Discussion in class. Essays

Use of ICT in teaching.

Written exams.