A corpus-based approach to
communication in tourism: hotel
literature in Brazil and the US
Sandra Navarro
Profa. Stella Tagnin
In this presentation

Previous research
 Corpus Linguistics, Translation, Terminology

The tourism/hotel industry

Results: cultural/communication differences (BrazilxUS)
 Hotel categories
 Website content (descriptions)
 Linguistic patterns (collocations)

Future research
 Corpus Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Sentiment
Analysis
Our previous research
Master’s dissertation (Navarro, 2011):
“A bilingual glossary of collocations typical of the hotel
industry: a model in light of Corpus Linguistics”
 objective: propose a model for a bilingual glossary (English Portuguese) of collocations typical of the hotel industry, aimed at the
translator.
 Corpus Linguistics: observation of language in use
 Terminology: equivalence in context
The tourism/hotel industry
Tourism – social, economical and cultural phenomenon
Hotel industry – essential component
of tourism
Translations:
- High demand (Internet)
- Communicative function: advertising
- Cultural aspects
Some results
Cultural differences: English (USA) and Portuguese
(Brazil)
 Hotel industry corpus: reflection of the field
 hotel categories
 hotel websites content (level of descriptions)
 linguistic patterns (collocations)
Cobb Lane Bed and Breakfast
Southern Magnolia Suite - It features a golden Cupid Chandelier, and rare Scarlet
O'Hara fainting couch, period clothes on display, an antique pedal sewing machine, tea
service and is beautifully appointed in every detail. Perfect for private conversations
and lingering sunset views. Delightful and relaxing, this room is usually the favorite of
Antique lovers and Honeymooners.
* Academy Award winner Patricia Neal selected this room during her stay
* 1898 ornamental Fire Place
* Half Tester Queen Size High Bed with steps
* Private Bath with Athenian relief, Tub with Shower
* Persian Rug
* Antique wash-station in room
* Sterling silver tea service
* French Armoire with beveled glass mirrors
* Magnificent multi-faceted crystal chandelier in Bedroom
* Beautiful rose chandelier in bath room
* 12 Foot High Ceilings
* Large bay windows with deep rose luxurious custom draperies
* Rich Mahogany original paneling
•Beautifully appointed in every respect
Hotel Fazenda Clube dos 200
Temos dois tipos de acomodações aqui no Clube dos 200:
Apartamentos e Chalés. Os apartamentos são quartos situados no interior do
casarão principal e que conservam o charme e o mobiliário antigo e importado
da época da construção do hotel. Mantendo as características originais da
construção, todos os apartamentos foram restaurados e possuem banheiro
privativo e ventiladores de teto.
Os Chalés são quartos externos ao casarão, situados bem próximo à
sede. Além da localização, os chalés diferenciam-se dos apartamentos por terem
sido construídos em época diferente. Sendo assim, eles possuem a mesma
estrutura, um pouco menores que os apartamentos, mas apresentam
características um pouco mais modernas na decoração.
We have two types of accommodation here at the Clube dos 200: guest rooms and chalets.
The guest rooms are located inside the main house and maintain the charm and antique
furniture imported from the time of the hotel construction. Keeping the original features of the
building, all apartments have been remodeled and feature private bathrooms and ceiling
fans.The Chalets are rooms outside the main house, located right next to the offices. Besides
the location, the chalets differ from the guest rooms for having been built at a different time.
Therefore, they have the same structure, slightly smaller than the guest rooms, but have a
little more modern characteristics in the decor.
Cultural communication styles
High context cultures: speakers believe that a lot can be
inferred from the context, so communication tends to be more
concise (economical).
Low context cultures: speakers believe that litte can be
inferred from the context, so communication tends to be more
detailed (explicit).
Hall (1976) – Beyond Culture
Linguistic patterns (collocations)

Collocates of “room”: few equivalents include the direct
equivalent (quarto/apartmento), since it is implicit in the
context.




Room amenities: facilidades (facilities)
Room rate: diária (daily rate)
Reserve a room: fazer uma reserva (make a reservation)
In-room safe: cofre (safe)
Future research
Corpus Linguistics, Intercultural Studies, Sentiment Analysis
The study of language patterns through corpus analysis shows us not only the
way language is used but also aspects of culture which are “neither taught
nor learned, but informally acquired” (Katan, 2004) and conveyed by
language.
 investigate the language of tourist reviews on the internet
(TripAdvisor/Booking.com): Americans vs. Brazilians
 what are the tourists’ needs, values, expectations?
how does the language used by professionals (advertising) and tourists
(real experience) differ?
 what are the main cultural differences in communication style between
these two cultures?
 what are the implications of all this for translation?
Thank you!
Dissertation available at:
http://www.teses.usp.br/teses
contato@sandranavarro.com.br