This course critically explores the relationship between language and culture, and its implications for translation. Special attention will be given to recent debates on the nature of language, culture and social life, to the interplay between diversity and universals, and to the issues of ‘translatability’ across languages and cultures.
Topics discussed will include language universals and ‘human nature’; translating political and emotion concepts across languages and cultures; different ways of thinking about space and the environment; folk taxonomies and principles of human categorization; the conceptualization of colours, and different ways of ‘seeing the world’ linked with different languages and cultures; and culture reflected in grammar. In particular, the course will deal with the issue of the hidden cultural legacy of English and critically examine its implications for translation from and into English in the era of ‘global English’.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- achieve a better understanding of the intrinsic links between language and culture, and the debates surrounding the issue of universality and cultural relativity;
- critically examined the links between culture and translation, and the limits of translatability related to cultural differences;
- identify the challenges involved in translating from and into English in today’s world arising from different ‘cultural worlds’ embedded in the meaning of linguistic expressions; and
- explain culture-specific meanings in simple and universal language.
Other Information
The course is typically offered every second year.
Indicative Assessment
- Task-based tutorial group participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Mini case study (800 words) (25) [LO 1,2]
- Report on translatability (800 words) (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Minimal English exercise (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- 1,500-word essay (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 2-hour lecture x 12 weeks; 1-hour tutorial x 11 weeks, and
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are not prescribed textbooks. All reading materials will be made available on Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7230 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |
