This study was conducted toinvestigate problems in translation of the terminology in economic texts.. LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTSCharts 1 Chart 3.1 The students’ opinions about learning tr
OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
Rationale
English has become a global language used across countries worldwide About 60 countries use English as their primary language alongside their native tongues, while nearly 100 countries use English as a second language With over 1,130 million native speakers, English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world Yet each country has its own culture and a unique language, so nations not using English often need to know two languages to communicate with international friends The English translation industry emerged to help people who find it difficult to learn or acquire a second language English is taught in many universities worldwide and serves as the language of international communication, science, aviation, and international business.
As societies and economies worldwide continue to develop, the economic and trade sector has become an indispensable pillar of overall growth, with Vietnam being a key example Successful economic and trade cooperation depends on many factors, of which mutual understanding is the most important Consequently, translating economic and trade texts plays a crucial role in bridging languages and cultures, enabling clearer communication, stronger cross-border partnerships, and informed decision-making in global markets.
Thuongmai University has made Translation a core subject, teaching students to translate between English and Vietnamese in both directions Teachers guide learners through translating documents across social, economic, business, culture, education, foreign affairs, and health care domains as well as specialized texts, equipping them with practical translation techniques and domain knowledge However, many students still face difficulties with terminology in economic texts, underscoring the challenge of mastering sector-specific vocabulary in translation.
This study investigates the translation challenges of economic terminology faced by final-year English majors at Thuongmai University and proposes practical solutions to improve accuracy and consistency in translating economic texts It examines how specialized vocabulary, polysemy, collocations, and domain conventions hinder comprehension and transfer into the target language Drawing on student work, classroom observations, and interviews, the research identifies key problem areas and offers actionable strategies, including building a dedicated economics glossary, corpus-informed translation practice, glossary management, and meta-language training to strengthen terminological accuracy The findings aim to guide educators in refining teaching methods and provide a framework for enhancing students' competence in economic translation.
This study, titled "Common Difficulties in Translation of the Terminology in Economic Texts Encountered by Final-Year Students of the English Faculty, Thuongmai University," aims to identify the translation challenges faced by final-year students when translating economic texts and to outline practical solutions By clarifying these difficulties, the research intends to help senior students recognize their gaps and provide effective strategies for translating economic terminology more accurately and efficiently.
Previous studies
Research topics on issues “the difficulties of learners in English translation” have been studied by many different researchers around the world in general and in Vietnam in particular.
Through surveying the research on translation issues, I see that there have been many books, many works by foreign authors on this issue.
Ivanka Sakareva's study, "Difficulties and some problems in translating legal documents," investigates the challenges inherent in translating legal texts To provide a full portrait of these problems, she describes the actual process translators must follow, the rules that should guide translation, and the translation strategies employed, along with the crucial role of cultural transfer The work also asks how legal translation differs from literal translation and whether translating specialized texts is an easy task.
This study, titled "Analysis of Translation Difficulties for the Fourth Semester Students of English Department of IKIP Gunungsitoli Year 2013/2014," aims to identify and describe the translation difficulties faced by fourth‑semester English department students at IKIP Gunungsitoli during the 2013/2014 academic year The researchers employed two research instruments: questionnaires and a test used as the source for content analysis, all conducted within a qualitative research framework.
And others: “A Linguistic Theory of Translation” by Catford (1965 Oxford University Publishing House, Oxford); "Contemporary Translation Theories" by Hay Gentzler (1993 Roudledge Publishing House, London & New York);
“Discourse and the Translator” by Hatim and Mason (1990 LongmanPublishing House, UK); Jakobson's "On Linguistic Aspects of translation"
(1959 Article published in The Translation Studies Reader, L Venuti (ed.) Roudledge, London & New York, 1998); "A Textbook of Translation" by Newmark (1988 Prentice Hall Publishing House, London 1988).
This study, titled "Difficulties in Learning the Translation of Students Majoring in International Relations," aims to identify and explain the translation difficulties faced by International Relations students and to propose practical methods to improve their translation skills and gain experience for their future professional workflow The research subjects were limited to two students from the TA39A and TA39B classes, English Department, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
Hoang Thi Bay’s MA minor-thesis, “A Study on the Translation of Economic Terminology,” analyzes how to translate English economic terms into Vietnamese in ways that are natural, authentic, and academically sound The study seeks to identify the common translation strategies and procedures used in translating economic terms in the economics textbook Business Law, addressing how terminology can be rendered across disciplines The findings offer practical recommendations for English-for-economics instructors and translators of economics-related documents, contributing to improved terminology translation in higher education and professional practice.
Pham Thi Minh Chien's MA minor thesis, "A Study on English Translation of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Texts," clarifies the distinctive characteristics of Vietnamese traditional medicine (VTM) texts and outlines strategies and techniques for translating them into English The study advocates for the standardization of English translations of VTM, offering practical guidelines to improve consistency and quality It also analyzes common translation mistakes and probes the root causes behind the current chaotic state of VTM translation, providing insights to enhance accuracy and reliability in English-language renderings.
Prior studies have examined university students' translation skills, revealing that evaluating multiple aspects of the problem provides a more multidimensional understanding of translation proficiency These findings collectively emphasize the importance of improving English translation skills among students to enhance overall language competence and academic performance.
Aims of the study
When choosing and carrying out this study, the researcher expects to clarify 3 main issues:
- To investigate some factors affecting student’s translation skill.
- To find out some difficulties, and common problems in translation of the terminology in economic texts encountered by final-year English major students at TMU must face.
- To suggest some possible solutions to these problems so as to help students have a good translation skill.
Research subjects
This study investigates the translation challenges of economic terminology among final-year English students at TMU, drawing on a sample of 80 senior learners enrolled in Business English It focuses on their difficulties translating specialized terms found in economics texts and explores how these learners’ background in Business English shapes their translation strategies.
Scope of the study
The study focuses on the translation skill of the terminology in economic texts of the final-year English major students at TMU.
Due to limitations in time, information, and knowledge, this study cannot address all aspects of translation and focuses on translation skills Given TMU’s large student population, it is impractical to investigate every participant, so the sample was limited to those most representative: final-year English major students at TMU who are already familiar with translation skills Consequently, the study concentrates exclusively on this cohort within the TMU context to examine translation skill development.
Research methodology
This study is carried out in both qualitative and quantitative methods Therefore, the researcher conducts the research with some following steps:
First, the researcher locates essential documents from online sources to establish a solid evidence base Next, the researcher reviews prior studies related to translation skills to inform the methodology and direction of the research Finally, the researcher borrows books from the library to gain additional guidance and depth for the study.
Secondly, the study employed a quantitative approach by administering survey questionnaires to final-year English majors at TMU A total of 80 senior students from the English Department at TMU participated, with the aim of uncovering the realities and difficulties that K53N students face in learning translation skills and identifying their proposed solutions for improvement.
A qualitative study using interviews was conducted to explore factors affecting English translation skills Four students from two K53 classes in the Faculty of English at TMU participated, and all agreed to take part and spoke freely, ensuring a comfortable interview environment The aim was to elicit students’ perceptions of the problems impacting translation proficiency and to gather concrete suggestions for improvement.
To ensure the reliability and validity of the survey, in-class interviews were distributed to participants during break time and collected immediately, allowing learners to focus on questions about their recent experiences Before conducting the interviews, the researcher explained the study's purpose and significance and clarified any misunderstandings about the survey questions.
After getting results from the survey, the researcher will collect and start analyzing them by using tables and charts.
Organization of the study
This study includes four main chapters, organized as follows:
Chapter 1: Overview of the study.
Chapter 1 sets out the rationale for the study, cites key previous research, states the study’s aims, defines the research subjects and scope, and outlines the research methodology and overall organization of the work, while explaining why the topic was selected and describing the methods used to conduct the study, thereby preparing the reader for Chapter 2: Literature Review.
This chapter revisits the key theoretical foundations to establish a solid theoretical framework for the study, drawing on core concepts from translation theory in general and the translation of economic terminology in particular It surveys how terminology is defined, managed, and rendered in economic texts, setting up the analytical lens through which the research examines translation practice and terminology transfer across languages.
Chapter 3: Methodology and research findings
This study describes its research methodology, including how the study was developed and carried out It details participant selection, data collection, and data analysis from survey questionnaires and interviews, and presents the results and key findings The chapter then presents the research results and provides a discussion of the findings to interpret their implications.
This chapter provides a concise overview of the study, summarizing the key findings and their implications for translation pedagogy It offers practical guidance to help students learn translation skills more effectively—focusing on accuracy, speed, terminology management, and cultural nuance—and outlines actionable strategies for classroom and self-directed learning The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research to expand understanding of translation processes across languages and learner profiles, and to identify best practices for teaching translation in diverse educational settings.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of terminology
Sager (1990: 3) gives three definitions of terminology:
- Terminology is the set of practices and methods used for the collection, description and presentation of terms.
- Terminology is a theory, the set of premises, arguments and conclusions required for explaining the relationships between concepts and terms which are fundamental for a coherent activity under.
- Terminology is a vocabulary of a special subject field.
Terminology is the umbrella term for the specialized vocabulary used in a specific field, as well as the study of how these terms are formed, used, and interpreted—often referred to as terminology science It covers words, compound terms, and multi-word expressions whose meanings are defined by their particular contexts and may differ from the everyday senses of the same terms.
Terminology is a set of specialized words that structure and convey meaning within a given scientific, professional, or technological field Do Huu Chau (1981) defines terms as specialist words used within these domains and describes scientific and technical terminology as lexical units that denote phenomena and activities in industrial technologies as well as in natural and social sciences Nguyen Thien Giap (1998) shares a similar view, defining terminology as a unique linguistic unit consisting of words and fixed phrases that provide precise definitions and objectives for a particular scientific area Although these definitions come from different times and scholars, they converge on the idea that there exist special words within specialized fields of knowledge, implying that there must be terms for mathematics, business, medicine, economics, and trade—terms that stand apart from ordinary language.
According to Baker (1998), a term is more than a mere word: it carries a precise reference to specific concepts, properties, activities, or relations that, together, delineate the knowledge space of a particular subject field.
2.1.2 Main features of the terminology
Terminology is a specialized unit within the lexical system of language, and many linguists argue that it should have the qualities of accurateness, systematism, internationalism, nationalism, and popularity These characteristics are the general properties of terminologies and constitute the vital principles for their creation and existence across all sectors, such as science and technology, the economic and trade sector, business, technique, and beyond Economic and trade terminology, in particular, embodies these characteristics, highlighting precise definitions, a systematic structure, global compatibility, national relevance, and broad adoption.
Accurateness is the primary quality of terminology: it expresses a scientific concept or definition clearly and precisely, preventing the misinterpretation of one concept as another In a typical professional vocabulary, each term denotes a single concept within its system A term’s meaning arises from its specific linguistic signals, not simply the sum of its component parts.
Systematism asserts that every term, as a unit of language, has a precise position within a network of concepts and belongs to a larger terminological system Its meaning is defined by its relationships with other terms in that system, not in isolation When a term is detached from its system and its contextual meaning becomes vague, this underscores why systematism is regarded as one of the twenty most important features of terminology, underpinning the coherence and usefulness of the terminological framework.
Scientific terminology consists of specialized terms that express shared concepts, and as development, international cooperation, and scientific and technological exchanges expand across nations, these terms become internationalized Globalization enables them to be adopted across multiple languages, accelerating the progress of international science.
Popularity is a defining feature of terminology that can accelerate scientific and technological progress for everyone As a cornerstone of linguistics, terminology drives scientific development and should be made accessible to all through clear reading, writing, speaking, and memorization In the economic and trade sectors, its consistent usage supports clearer communication and smoother collaboration.
Vietnamese terminology is a specialized linguistic unit used in specific professions and belongs to the national language, so it should be infused with Vietnamese culture and reflect the distinctive lexicon and grammatical characteristics of the Vietnamese language Translation is shaped by the receiving language and its culture, meaning that when terms are rendered into Vietnamese—especially in economic and trade documents—they should be expressed in ways that align with Vietnamese cultural norms and language features.
2.1.3 The terminology in economic texts
Economic terminology is the specialized vocabulary of the economic field, consisting of words, compounds, and multi-word expressions whose meanings relate to economic activities It also encompasses the study of these terms and how they are used in practice, a field sometimes described as the science of economic terminology In business contexts, these terms carry precise meanings that clarify processes, markets, policies, and financial instruments, enabling accurate analysis, research, and clear communication across stakeholders.
Translation theory
Translation, once regarded as an art, is a phenomenon that permeates every corner of life and has been explored from scientific and technical perspectives It plays an indispensable role not only in literature, culture, and religion but also in commercial advertising, popular entertainment, public administration, immigration, and education—especially in today’s renovation economy Accordingly, definitions of translation have varied and taken many forms, as proposed by numerous renowned translators from earlier generations These definitions provide the basic theoretical background for this study.
Cartford (1965:20) considers as follows: “Translation is the replacement of text material of this language (source language) with text material of another (target language)”.
Hartman and Stork (1971:1) believes that: “Translation is the replacement of a representation of a text in one language by a representation of an equivalent text in a second language”.
Translation is a transfer process that aims to transform a written source-language (SL) text into an optimally equivalent target-language (TL) text, and its success depends on thorough syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic understanding as well as careful analytical processing of the SL.
Nida, E.A (1984:83) claims: “Translating consists in reproducing in the receptor language that closest natural equivalent to the message of the source language, first in meaning and secondly in style”.
According to Malinowski, as cited in Choliludin (2005:4), translation is the re-creation of the original into something profoundly different; it is never a substitution of words but the translation of whole contents, yielding deep meaning rather than simply swapping source-language words for target-language equivalents The Oxford Advanced Dictionary defines translation as the process of changing something that is written or spoken into another language, underscoring that effective translation goes beyond lexical swap to convey the full sense and intent of the source.
Translation involves interpreting the meaning of a source text and producing an equivalent text in another language that conveys the same message The source text is the original material, the language into which it is translated is the target language, and the finished product is often referred to as the target text.
Translation is the act of rendering a written text into another language in a way that preserves the author’s intended meaning It goes beyond literal word-for-word conversion to capture the author’s purpose, nuance, and style in the target language According to the Theory of Interpreting and Translation from Thuongmai University, a faithful translation reproduces the original message as the author intended.
Across the definitions provided by linguists in diverse contexts, a common thread is evident: successful translation hinges on achieving the closest possible equivalence in meaning while preserving the source text’s characteristics through carefully selected lexical and grammatical choices in the target language In addition, transfer phenomena between languages involve different translation methods that will be examined in the next section.
Translation plays a pivotal role in daily life, enabling global interaction and helping nations build collaborative links across technology, politics, media, literature, tourism, and commerce By converting ideas between languages, translation fuels innovation, supports cross-cultural communication, and strengthens international business and diplomacy From accelerating scientific and technological collaboration to enriching cultural exchange and expanding markets, translation underpins economic growth and intercultural understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.
- Translation is the connection of the global economy, enhance the growth of multinational companies
Across the global economy, demand for translation services is surging as organizations seek accurate, culturally aware communication in multilingual markets While English is often touted as the language of global business, professional translation and localization remain indispensable for reaching diverse audiences, expanding cross-border commerce, and maintaining clear, compliant messaging worldwide.
Translation is essential for companies operating in multiple countries, enabling seamless transfer of information between global offices and branches In these contexts, messages are translated into the local language to ensure clarity, accuracy, and effective communication across diverse markets Multilingual translation also supports collaboration with local businesses and is vital when preparing government proposals or regulatory documents Ultimately, robust multilingual translation underpins international operations, cross-border collaboration, and successful engagement with local markets.
- Translation boosts up in tourism
Translation can effectively solve a major tourist dilemma—being short-changed or fleeced by unfamiliar people in foreign destinations—by making essential information clear and accessible for travelers At the same time, translated tourism materials help tourists feel welcome in an unknown country and boost the destination’s appeal as a tourist-friendly place, thereby driving greater tourism revenues.
- Translation makes the cultural exchange convenient
Films, music, and literature cross global borders when translation and subtitling faithfully reflect the original works in viewers’ and readers’ mother tongues Translated and subtitled films now generate substantial revenue for the international film industry, with hits expanding into new markets and China emerging as a rapidly growing and highly lucrative segment This translation momentum helps studios push toward billion-dollar receipts more often than before The benefits aren’t limited to cinema: music and literary translation allow artists to earn larger royalties and build international reputations, while lyric translation distributes the cultural content of a song to a wider audience, forging direct connections between source cultures and new listeners around the world.
Translation assists foreign affairs of the country more easily
International diplomacy sits at the heart of a nation's foreign policy In international summits and economic agreements, diplomats and leaders articulate their ideas and positions in languages they are fluent in It is crucial that these ideas are conveyed clearly and accurately to prevent misunderstandings that could strain or even jeopardize diplomatic relationships between countries.
There are many ways to classify translation Here are some types of translation classified by form.
Technical translation can be understood in two senses In the broad sense, it includes translating user guides, manuals, brochures, internal notices, medical terminology, financial reports, meeting minutes, and other administrative terms These documents are designed for a specific, limited audience and typically have a finite duration, which makes precise terminology, consistency, and clarity essential for accurate cross-language communication.
In its narrow sense, technical translation encompasses the translation of technical documentation across domains such as engineering, information technology, electronics, and mechanics, as well as economic and industrial texts Mastery in technical translation requires a broad and precise knowledge of the specialized terminology used in the source text’s sector.
Scientific translation: As its name indicates, scientific translations deal with documents in the scope of science: articles, thesis, newspapers, congress booklets,conference presentations, study reports etc.
Financial translation specializes in documents across finance, banking, and stock exchange activities, ensuring precise rendering of items such as company annual accounts, annual reports, financial statements, financial contracts, and financing packages This precision enables clear communication with investors, regulators, lenders, and international partners, supporting cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance.
Legal translation: Legal translation includes a wide range of different documents.
Problems in translation of the terminology in economic texts
There are lots of difficulties in translating the terminology in economic texts.
Geography shapes Vietnamese and English-speaking social cultures, creating notable differences that can be hard to accept Yet recognizing these cultural features helps broaden economic knowledge and enables smoother cross-cultural interactions By understanding both the divergences and the common ground, you can improve communication, collaboration, and opportunities in global business.
Culture partly shapes the translation process, as translators continually tackle how to handle cultural elements in the source language and select the most effective technique to convey them in the target language Misunderstanding culture can produce poor translations and, at times, make the text funny or insulting to readers in the target language Consequently, when Vietnamese translators translate terminology across languages, deep intercultural understanding of both countries is essential Ultimately, culture acts as a valuable tool to enhance understanding of other nations, peoples, and business practices, aiding clearer communication and more accurate translations.
2.3.2 Words and choices of word meanings
Words play a crucial role for any language learners to build their own vocabulary system to get advantages in their language learning Vocabulary is the fundamental component of communication The more vocabulary one has, the more advantages for us to obtain effective texts However, translators often have difficulties in new words, they seem to fail translating Most of English words have many meanings. There will be a primary meaning which usually comes to mind when the word is said in isolation, and the contextual meaning (or secondary meaning) – the additional meanings which a word has in other specific contexts with other supporting words in certain orders.
2.3.3 Lack of economic background knowledge
Economic knowledge is an important factor when translating terminology in economic text Economic terminology often reflects, notifies promptly and quickly events, problems according to the context of business situation Therefore, without economic knowledge, it will be difficult for translators to successfully translate economic texts such as: business contracts, business email, trade agreements, …
2.3.4 Difficulty in translating the abbreviation
In economic texts, abbreviation is the most difficult thing for translators to remember and understand For example:
GDP is often used as a measure of a nation’s economic performance and activity It is usually calculated on a quarterly or annual basis.
- NAFTA (The North American Free Trade Agreement)
NAFTA was an agreement signed by Canada, Mexico, and the United States that created a trilateral trade bloc in North America.
- CPATP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), also called the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, was a proposed trade agreement among Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States It was signed on February 4, 2016.
2.3.5 Difficulty in translating the terminology hardly used
Understanding economic terminology can be challenging, and translating terms that are rarely used is even harder When translators encounter new terminology in contracts, business emails, and other professional documents, they may not fully understand it and end up guessing, which often leads to incorrect translations and misinterpretations.
Unitary elastic demand (“cầu co dãn đơn vị” in Vietnamese).
Galloping inflation (“lạm phát phi mã” in Vietnamese).
Calls in arrear (“vốn gọi trả sau” in Vietnamese).
The translator will not transfer the right meaning without encountering it a lot of times.
METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH FINDINDS
Methodology
In order to achieve the aims of the study and clarify clearly the target, this study is looking for the answers to the following questions:
- What are factors that influence the translation skill of the terminology in economic texts encountered by final-year English major students at TMU?
- What are some common difficulties in translation of the terminology in economic texts encountered by final-year English major students at TMU?
- What are some solutions to improve their economic terminology translation skill?
This study examines final-year English majors at TMU, with a sample of 80 students aged about 21–22 They take translation courses in their third and final years, scheduled for three periods per week, and they are in the first semester of the 2020–2021 academic year at TMU The participants share common characteristics across the sample.
After seven years, they are now majoring in Business English at TMU Their English backgrounds are alike—each student has studied translation, and they have all encountered difficulties translating terminology in economic texts.
3.1.3 Data collection method a Data collection instruments: The questionnaire
A carefully prepared questionnaire was designed to investigate the reality of studying written translation and the difficulties students face in this subject The instrument includes 10 economic terminologies and 11 questions in English Eighty questionnaires were distributed to students, and all of them were returned The aims of these questions were to explore students' experiences with written translation and identify the key difficulties they encounter in this area.
Firstly, ten economic terms are some small exercises for students practicing translating terminology in order to define the translation ability of the students.
The first three questions were designed to gauge students' attitudes toward the translation subject Question 1 explored their feelings about studying written translation, including whether they consider it easy or difficult and whether they find it interesting or boring Question 2 sought to uncover the reasons why students study written translation, and Question 3 examined their views on the usefulness of studying the translation subject Together, these items provide a concise snapshot of learners' engagement with translation education and its perceived value.
The next question, question (4) was used to survey the amount of time students usually spend on studying translation the terminology in economic texts.
Question (5) was used to explore how often the students have difficulties in translating economic terminology.
The next question, question (6) was applied to know the biggest challenge that students have to face when translating economic terminology.
To understand how students approach written translation, the study designed two targeted questions Question 7 examines the strategies students typically use when they encounter new economic terminology in the original text, while Question 8 investigates what students usually do after finishing their translation.
Question (9) was on survey to get more information about the students' point of view on the factors influencing on their interest in translating economic terminology.
Question (10) was to seek for the methods that the students usually apply to improve their economic terminology translation skill.
And the last question, question 11, was to look for some more information about the ability of the students in translating economic terminology. b Data collection procedures
The data collection process is created clearly with 3 main steps:
In this step, a questionnaire is designed for 80 participants who are final-year English major students at TMU The instrument comprises ten economic terminologies that students are asked to translate to survey their translation ability for economic terms, and eleven questions addressing the difficulties they face when translating terminology in economic texts, as well as the factors that influence their translation performance and suggestions to improve economic terminology translation skills.
Eighty questionnaires will be printed and distributed to respondents who have studied the K53N translation course at TMU Before the survey is administered, the researcher will provide a concise briefing on the questionnaire format, expected length, and the wording of each question to ensure participants clearly understand the survey and to minimize ambiguity.
After the participants completed the results, the researcher will collect the distributed questionnaire and then analyze the data.
Qualitative data from questionnaires were synthesized and summarized to reflect the study aims and the associated research questions Observation data were quantified and converted into numerical form, enabling statistical analysis of the specified metrics The statistical results were organized and presented in tables, bar charts, and pie charts to facilitate interpretation and clarity This approach yields a concise, scientifically rigorous portrayal of the findings.
The results of the study
A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 11 English questions was completed by final-year English major students at TMU to reflect respondents’ own ideas Eighty copies were distributed and all were returned, providing extensive feedback on students’ difficulties in learning economic translation Statistical analysis of the responses yields results that are presented in tables and charts, including a section titled “Students’ Point of View About Learning Translation.”
Chart 3.1: The students’ opinions about learning translation
Survey results show that 61.3% of students describe learning translation as difficult but interesting, indicating that while the subject presents challenges, students remain engaged Moreover, 20% view translation study as not only interesting but also helpful for their learning or future goals A sizable portion report feeling difficulty and boredom, possibly due to not finding effective learning methods, and 18% express no interest in translation None of the uninterested students believe that translation learning is easy or feel helpless Taken together, these findings suggest that although translation is hard to master, a large majority—81.3%—still maintain interest and are willing to invest effort in learning and practicing translation.
Chart 3.2 The reason why students study translation
Among 80 students surveyed, 62.5% (about 50 students) say translation is helpful and can broaden their knowledge by providing information in translated texts A minority, 21.3% (approximately 17 students), study translation because it is a compulsory subject, while 12.5% (about 10 students) pursue translation to develop additional skills and improve themselves, and around 3.7% (roughly 3 students) are motivated by genuine interest in the subject The overall pattern indicates that more than half of the students recognize the usefulness of translation for language learning and knowledge expansion and intend to master translation skills However, about one-fifth (roughly 16 students) are forced to study translation as a compulsory component and do not want to learn the subject or know how to study it effectively.
Chart 3.3 The students’ opinions about the usefulness of studying translation
Table 3.1 The students’ opinions about the usefulness of studying translation
Responses to question 3 show that students perceive clear benefits from studying translation Among them, 26.3% say translation study enlarges their vocabulary, 23.8% believe it broadens their knowledge, and 17.5% think it helps improve language skills—particularly writing and listening Additionally, 16.3% aim to study translation to study and work more effectively, while 7.5% view translation study as having multiple advantages beyond these specific gains Overall, the results indicate that the majority of students recognize the advantages of translation in language learning, demonstrate a positive attitude toward the subject, and are motivated to engage with translation education in their own effective ways The study also notes data on the time students dedicate to self-study—specifically, translating terminology in economic texts.
Chart 3.4 The amount of time students usually spending on studying translating the terminology in economic texts (as self-study)
This chart analyzes how much time students typically devote to studying translation economics terminology The data show that a majority—58%—spend 1–2 hours per week on this topic, while about 26.3% allocate around 5 hours weekly The results indicate substantial variation in study time among students, with over 30% spending time outside the 1–2 hour or 5-hour ranges.
Students report about 10 hours per week dedicated to translation drills, with the smallest share of learners spending more than 10 hours weekly at 1.1%, indicating that although most students have a positive attitude toward self-studying translation, they do not devote substantial time to practice This suggests a gap between favorable views of self-directed translation work and actual practice time The study also examines how often students encounter difficulties when translating terminology in economic texts.
Chart 3.5 How often students have difficulties when translating the terminology in economic texts
According to the chart, among 80 students, 53.8% report frequent difficulties translating terminology in economic texts, 45% say they sometimes struggle, 1.2% rarely face difficulties, and none report never having difficulties The data indicate that the biggest challenge students face when translating economic terminology is mastering the specialized terms used in economic texts.
Words and choices of word 12 15 15 15 meanings
Lack of economic background 47 58,8 58,8 76,3 knowledge
Difficulty translating the 8 10 10 96,3 terminology you hardly use
Table 3.2 The biggest challenge students have to face when translating the terminology in economic texts
Table analysis shows that almost all students face difficulties translating economic terminology The main challenge is lack of economic background knowledge, reported by 58.8% (47 students) Another 12 students (15%) have trouble choosing the right words and word meanings Abbreviations and unfamiliar terms are identified as the biggest obstacle by 8 students (10%) A small group, 3 students (3.8%), reported experiencing all of these difficulties The findings also hint at the strategies students use when they encounter new terms.
Frequency Percen Valid Cumulative t Percent Percent
Look up its meaning by using a 47 58,8 58,8 58,8 dictionary or Google Translate tool
Ignore it and translate other 25 31,3 31,3 90 words, then go back to guess its meaning in the context.
Skip it and translate others 3 3,8 3,8 93,8
Ask your friends or your teacher 2 2,5 2,5 96,3
Table 3.3 What students often do when encountering new terms
When students translate economic terminology, they inevitably encounter new vocabulary, and each learner adopts different strategies to tackle these terms About 58.8% of students look up meanings using a dictionary or Google Translate, highlighting the reliance on translation tools as a common learning approach for mastering economic concepts.
Among learners, 31.3% (about 25 students) tend to ignore the unfamiliar word and translate surrounding terms, later trying to infer its meaning from context, a common vocabulary-learning strategy in translation tasks A smaller group, 3.8%, skips the word altogether and translates only the rest, a habit that can disrupt the flow of the translated text When confronted with new vocabulary, 2.5% of students typically turn to friends or teachers for help Finally, about 3 students—accounting for roughly 2%—report using other options.
What students often do after finishing their translation
Frequency Percen Valid Cumulative t Percen Percent t
Read it again to correct some 46 57,5 57,5 63,7 mistakes if there are
Read it again and try to translate it 12 15 15 78,8 in another way
Wait for your teacher’s feedback 17 21,3 21,3 100
Table 3.4 What students often do after finishing their translation
After finishing their translation, 57.5% of students read the text again to correct any mistakes, 21.3% wait for their teacher’s feedback, 15% re-read and attempt to translate it in another way, and 6.3% simply share their work with friends These post-translation practices reveal how students engage with the process and indicate a notable influence on their interest in translating terminology in economic texts.
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative
Table 3.5 A great influence on students’ interest in translating the terminology economic texts
Survey results indicate that the topic of translation has the strongest influence on students’ interest, with 37.5% of respondents citing it as a key factor, the highest among all options Personal ability accounts for 30% of students’ views on what shapes their interest in translation, while teaching methods influence 18.8% of students Teaching materials are identified by 10% of students as an important factor These findings underscore how topic relevance, individual capability, instructional approaches, and available resources collectively shape student engagement in translation education.
3 students (3,8% of students) have other ideas. k What students often do to improve their translation of the terminology in economic texts
Reviewing your teacher’s feedback to learn vocabulary, grammar and way of 29 36,3 36,3 65 using vocabulary
Reading and practicing translating business newspapers or economic 24 30 30 95 magazines
Table 3.6 What students often do to improve their translation of the terminology in economic texts
The result shows that the students pay much attention to improving their translation skills and have applied many different ways to make them more professional in translating.
The data show that 36.3% of students review their teacher’s feedback to improve vocabulary, grammar, and usage, while 30% choose to read and translate business newspapers or economic magazines to strengthen translation skills Five students do nothing to enhance their translation abilities, indicating that learners often adopt self-directed methods that suit their personal learning styles when tackling translation tasks.
3.2.1.2 Statistics of the variables in the scale
N Minimu Maximum Mean Standard m Deviation
Economic terms are difficult to memorize because they vary in 80 1 5 3,8875 0,84184 specific areas
Economic terminology translation from Vietnamese to English is 80 1 5 3,8125 0,87285 more difficult than that from
I rarely practice economic 80 1 5 3,4375 0,89787 terminology translation at home
My translation exercises often include very few new terms or 80 1 5 3,35 0,85832 abbreviations
I usually make a paraphrase for 80 2 5 3,4875 0,8714 the term if I cannot find the right word in the target language but it is often inconsistent with the meaning of that term
My economic background knowledge is limited as I do not 80 2 5 3,825 0,83855 spend much time learning about it
I often spend a lot of time choosing suitable words when
Table 3.7 Statistics of the variables in the scale
From the table 3.7, for the levels from "strongly disagree" - "disagree" - "neutral" -
Survey results on the agree–strongly agree scale reveal average scores of 3.4 or higher, indicating that the majority of students either agree or are neutral on the observed variables The standard deviation is relatively high, ranging from 0.83855 to 0.96448, which signals substantial variability in student perceptions across variables Consequently, opinions are diverse: some students fully agree, while others disagree.
Survey results show that the mean values of the first two variables and the last two variables reach 4.1 or higher, indicating a strong consensus among students that economic terms are difficult to remember and that Vietnamese-to-English translation is more challenging than English-to-Vietnamese translation Additionally, economic background knowledge and the approach used to determine word meanings emerge as two major factors affecting translation outcomes.
Item if Item Item-Total Alpha
Correlation Item Deleted Deleted Deleted
Economic terms are difficult to memorize because they vary in 21,775 11,923 0,553 0,727 specific areas
Economic terminology translation from Vietnamese to English is more
21,85 12,053 0,5 0,738 difficult than that from English to
I rarely practice economic 22,225 11,847 0,517 0,734 terminology translation at home
My translation exercises often include 22,3125 12,876 0,363 0,765 very few new terms or abbreviations
I usually make a paraphrase for the term if I cannot find the right word in the target language but it is often 22,175 12,754 0,375 0,763 inconsistent with the meaning of that term
My economic background knowledge is limited as I don’t spend much time 21,8375 12,037 0,534 0,731 learning about it
I often take a lot of time to choose 21,8 11,149 0,585 0,718 suitable words when practicing economic terminology translation
Table 3.8b Statistic of variables - total observation scales
The results from table 8a show that the reliability of the scale is 0.769 - high value
(>0.7) In addition, the variable-total correlation coefficients are greater than 0.3
(the lowest is 0.363), showing that all 7 observed variables of this scale are used to analyze the discovery factor EFA, no variable is eliminated.
3.2.1.4 Analysis of discovery factors EFA
Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling0,789
Bartlett's Test of Approx Chi-Square 117,833
Table 3.9 KMO and Bartlett's Test
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Summary of the study
This thesis investigates the difficulties students face when translating economic terminology in economic texts, focusing on final-year English majors at Thuongmai University It analyzes the factors that influence translation performance, identifying the main obstacles and enablers affecting learners’ accuracy and fluency Based on these findings, the study proposes practical, evidence-based methods to improve students’ English proficiency and translation skills in economics The goal is to inform curriculum design and teaching practices to enhance the translation of economic terms in academic and professional contexts.
To address the research objectives, the study is organized into four chapters Chapter 1 presents the overarching theoretical framework guiding the inquiry, while Chapter 2 offers a literature review on translation skill and related terminology, covering the definition and significance of translation, types of translation, criteria for a high‑quality translation, translation strategies and methods, and challenges in translating economic terminology, with key theories informing the subsequent analysis Chapter 3 outlines the methodology, detailing the research design, questions, participants, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures The study collects data through a survey of final-year English major students at Thuongmai University, followed by statistical analysis of the questionnaire responses to derive the results and discussion.
Concluding this thesis, the researcher presents practical solutions to help students overcome difficulties in translation studies and offers recommendations for teachers to better meet students' expectations in learning translation, a discipline commonly considered challenging to master The proposed strategies focus on enhancing learners' core competencies—such as lexical accuracy, stylistic appropriateness, and cultural mediation—while guiding instructors on effective pedagogy, constructive feedback, and robust assessment practices Together, these insights aim to create a more supportive, outcome‑oriented learning environment for translation students and to bridge the gap between teaching methods and student needs.
Possible solutions
4.2.1 Suggestions for students a Suggestions to improving economic terminology.
Learning economics vocabulary is challenging for students, since economic terminology is hard to memorize and without retention they cannot translate economics texts accurately The following solutions help learners memorize economics vocabulary quickly and easily, improving recall of key terms and enabling faster, more accurate translations of economic texts.
Learning economic terminology is fastest when you arrange terms alphabetically With 26 letters in the English alphabet, economics terms typically run from A to Z, making it easy to organize and study Using alphabetical order offers clear advantages: it helps manage vocabulary size, makes terms easier to remember through orderly storage, and enables quick retrieval—like having a pocket dictionary at your fingertips By this method, letters such as “A,” “B,” and “C” serve as anchors for words with specific economic meanings, helping learners build a solid, searchable mental lexicon.
An alphabetical listing supports memory and learning, but when terms are placed in context—such as in a sentence—their meanings become clear and their usage correct Contextual learning helps you expand your vocabulary faster because you see how words are used in real life For example, the word "advance" can have multiple meanings when it stands alone, which can create ambiguity for readers or translators; using the word in sentences clarifies which sense is intended.
Finding the right study tools for learners is an effective way to master terminology Because everyone learns differently, experiment with multiple methods—flashcards, apps, lists, games, and post-its—to discover what helps you memorize terminology best Some people prefer setting aside a specific study time, while others learn more spontaneously; whatever approach you choose, establish a steady rhythm and commit to regular practice, because practice makes perfect In addition, to deepen understanding of business culture, connect terminology learning to real-world contexts and practical scenarios to improve professional communication.
Translating across languages is often hindered by cultural differences, making cultural awareness essential for accurate meaning Languages are complex, and without understanding local norms and contexts, a translation may mislead readers The most effective way to sharpen this skill is through close observation and practice with native speakers, coupled with learning about different cultures to deepen cross-cultural understanding When translating economic terminology, a translator must grasp the business culture and context of the target country, as sticking to what they already know can lead to errors By actively exploring diverse perspectives and embracing cultural differences, translators gain new experiences that help them interpret economic terms more clearly and accurately.
Doing online research or reading books, and examining the history and traditions of different business cultures, are effective ways to learn about other cultures Digital resources and historical context shed light on how norms, etiquette, and decision-making vary around the world This approach builds a nuanced understanding of global business culture and cultural differences.
Engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds is a powerful way to boost cross-cultural understanding Make an effort to connect with individuals from other cultures, especially those related to your work, because building diverse relationships expands your knowledge of customs, values, and everyday life You don’t need to quiz someone about their culture; by getting to know them as a friend or colleague, you’ll naturally learn through their experiences A curious, open-minded attitude makes this process easier and more respectful Try catching up with an acquaintance, friend, or coworker you’d like to know better, and treat them as people first—not just as a cultural resource Plus, this is a great opportunity to practice a language you’re learning while expanding your professional and social network.
Read as much as possible in your target language Reading widely—especially newspapers, magazines, and dictionaries related to economics—develops your vocabulary and deepens your knowledge of the language, both of which are essential for effective translation This habit sharpens your word choice and sentence structure and builds economic background knowledge, making it easier to translate economic terminology accurately and with nuance.
Developing a reading habit exposes you to new words, so underline unfamiliar terminology and study them in context to understand their meanings, a practice that boosts memory and enables correct usage For translating economic terminology, try practical approaches such as building bilingual glossaries, translating sample passages, verifying terms with reputable economics dictionaries, and doing regular context-based exercises to reinforce accuracy and fluency.
Reading and translating from economic newspapers, magazines, and articles is a powerful way to practice translating economic terminology and a cornerstone of mastering English translation Dedicate time to reading broadly about topics that interest you whenever possible, and actively remember the most important information to reinforce your learning When you encounter an unclear passage, skip it to maintain reading momentum, with the plan to return later for deeper study.
To expand your background knowledge, commit to regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and books, and stay curious about world events Topics that seem out of range from your usual interests can prove invaluable for your translation work later on Reading economic newspapers and magazines not only broadens a translator’s knowledge but also trains them to handle abbreviations, making translation of abbreviations less daunting over time.
Set aside daily translation practice to steadily improve your skills, especially with economic terminology No translator is perfect, so consistent effort is key to progress When you err, track the mistakes, learn from them, and use back-translation or reverse-translation to reinforce learning If you usually translate from English to another language, practice in the opposite direction as well to build versatility Back-translation can deepen your understanding of the target language and boost fluency.
To improve economic terminology translation skills, I recommend a YouTube channel learners can use to practice: VOA Special English The channel specializes in economic translation, offering audio with transcripts for every video, which helps learners translate economic terminology in context It’s a practical resource for building vocabulary and understanding terminology in economic texts, and it also provides suggestions for improving English grammar when translating.
Grammar can be a source of stress for many students because it feels confusing and complex, but accurate grammar is essential for high-quality translation To boost your grammar skills, start with simple, practical methods that you can apply every day Focus on core rules, study common error patterns, practice with real texts, and seek frequent feedback Regular practice, deliberate reading, and reflective editing will help you translate more accurately and communicate more clearly.
There are abundant resources, online and in print, that help you improve your grammar skills A quick Internet search reveals a wide range of websites offering grammar exercises and practice activities Students often access http://www.tienganh123.com, a widely used resource among English learners at all levels These tools provide convenient, effective ways to strengthen grammar proficiency and support ongoing English language learning.
Limitations of the study
Despite substantial time and effort, the study is constrained by limited time, scarce sources, and the researchers' capacity, making it difficult to avoid certain shortcomings and errors These include data limitations, potential biases, restricted generalizability, gaps in the literature review, and measurement or methodological imperfections, which are described below.
Firstly, the small sample size limits generalizability The study selected only 80 English Department students at Thuongmai University according to the researcher's own criteria, so the results may not be generalizable to the broader population of translators.
Secondly, during the research process, the researcher conducts the questionnaire but cannot conduct other methods such as case-study, classroom observation which can make the results obtained more reliably.
Thirdly, in the questionnaire, the researcher did not question for the learning environment, learning tools, and there are no specific translations to see the real difficulties in translation.
Finally, the techniques suggested in this research are selected from different reliable but limited sources.
Suggestions for further research
This study examined the difficulties in translating terminology in economic texts among 80 final-year English majors at Thuongmai University For future studies, the researcher recommends expanding the sample through surveys and interviews with students from diverse backgrounds to yield deeper and clearer data on translation difficulties, translation skills, and the underlying causes Additionally, future research should broaden the methodology by incorporating classroom observations and teacher interviews to gain richer insights into translation strategies and the factors shaping learners’ performance.
Translation has become indispensable in the last several decades due to rising international trade, migration, globalization, and the expanding reach of mass media and technology Translators act as bilingual and multilingual cross-cultural transmitters of culture and ideas, striving to transfer texts as faithfully and accurately as possible However, for English major students, mastering translation skills and developing professional translator competencies remains challenging, with mistakes and difficulties being an expected part of learning This study aims to identify students' difficulties and their expectations in translation subjects during the early years of study, and to offer practical recommendations to help them overcome obstacles and improve the quality of translation training methods at Thuongmai University.
We hope this study and its recommendations will serve as a useful reference for improving the quality of both learning and training at Thuongmai University and will also be a helpful companion for anyone interested in translation who aims to become a professional translator As this is our first research effort, some mistakes are unavoidable; time constraints limited our ability to conduct interviews and gather broader information about students' expectations, and pleasing everyone is not possible, so the collected expectations may not reflect all students' needs.
It is, therefore, one of the most limitations of the study However, the researcher believes that the thesis named “Common difficulties in translation of the terminology in economic texts encountered by final-year students of English faculty, Thuongmai University” will be able to contribute its reality and helpfulness to both the students and teachers in adjusting the learning and teaching method.
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10 Albert Sydney Hornby, (1942), Oxford learner Dictionaries.
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13 http://luanvan.net.vn/luan-van/de-tai-a-study-on-translation-of-economic-and- trade-terminology-from-english-into-vietnamese-71632/
14. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326716636_CHALLENGES_IN_TRANSLATING_EDUCATIONAL_TERMINOLOGY
This survey aims to find out difficulties in translation of the terminology in economic texts encountered by final-year students of English faculty, Thuongmai University.
I would really appreciate it if you could take some time to fill out this questionnaire. Many thanks!
First of all, please translate following terminologies:
NO English meaning Vietnamese meaning
2 Circulation and distribution of commodity
5 Allowances and expenses for corporation tax
6 The openness of the economy
Question 1 In your opinion, learning translation is………
Question 2 The reason why students study translation is … (you can choose more than one answer)
☐ Because it is a compulsory subject
☐ Because it is helpful, I can expand knowledge, learn a lot of information
☐ Because I want to study more skills to make myself more perfect.
Question 3 In your opinion, studying translation can help you… (you can choose more than one answer)
☐ Use grammar structures more flexibly
Question 4 How much time do you usually spend studying translating the terminology in economic texts (as self-study)?
☐ More than 10 hours per week
Question 5 How often do you have difficulties when translating the terminology in economic texts?
Question 6 What is the biggest challenge you have to face when translating the terminology in economic texts?
☐ Words and choices of word meanings
☐ Lack of economic background knowledge
☐ Difficulty translating the terminology you hardly use
Question 7 What do you often do when you encounter new terms?
☐ Look up its meaning by using a dictionary or Google Translate tool
☐ Ignore it and translate other words, then go back to guess its meaning in the context.
☐ Skip it and translate others
☐ Ask your friends or your teacher
Question 8 What do you often do after you finish your translation?
☐ Read it again to correct some mistakes if there are
☐ Read it again and try to translate it in another way
☐ Wait for your teacher’s feedback
Question 9 What has a great influence on your interest in translating the terminology in economic texts?
Question 10 What do you often do to improve your translation of the terminology in economic texts?
☐ Reviewing your teacher’s feedback to learn vocabulary, grammar and way of using vocabulary
☐ Reading and practicing translating business newspapers or economic magazines
Question 11 Please indicate your level of consent to the statements below with the convention as follows: