Exploring the translation processes conducted by EFL students based on their english proficiency level

Abstract

One of the important things in developing translation training is the study of processes done by translators in a translation process. This study aimed to explore the differences in processes done by students with different foreign language proficiencies in translating an English text into Indonesian. The subjects of the study were 27 students majoring in English Education, Ganesha University of Education, Indonesia. The data were gathered using two types of instruments, namely test and questionnaire. There were two types of tests, namely the TOEFL-like test and the translation test. The translation results were scored using three criteria proposed by Larson (1984), namely accuracy, clarity, and naturalness. The two first instruments were used to gain quantitative data. The gathered data by these instruments were analyzed using Pearson Correlation Test Method.  The questionnaire was used to gain qualitative data. These gathered data were analyzed based on the translation process theory proposed by Bell (1991).  The findings show that foreign language proficiency does influence students’ translation ability with a coefficient of determination of 0.347. It leads to an interpretation that the translation process can also have a valuable influence on the ability of the students in translating English texts into Indonesian. It is supported by the results of qualitative data analyses that show the more processes the students do, the higher the score of their translation. These findings implicate that translation process theory is one of the important factors in translation training for undergraduate students.