1
Statement of the problem
In the age of Technology 4.0, numerous systems facilitate rapid translation between languages, with Google Translate being a prominent example Launched by Google in 2006, this automatic translation tool acts as a bridge connecting diverse languages globally As noted by Wikipedia, Google Translate supports over 100 languages at varying proficiency levels and has been utilized by more than 500 million users daily since May 2017.
To translate text effectively, users select the source and target languages, input the information, and receive quick results However, machines lack the ability to fully understand the nuances and cultural context of the text, making them unable to replace human translators This is particularly important when dealing with sentences and paragraphs that require an understanding of cultural components and multiple layers of meaning.
The term 'Gà Tre' translates to 'Bantam Chicken' in English, referring to a specific type of chicken However, some translation tools inaccurately render it as 'bamboo chicken' due to a misunderstanding of the word 'bamboo' as a plant Only trained translators with language and translation expertise can accurately interpret and translate such terms Translation is a nuanced profession that cannot be fully replaced by technology, as it demands logical reasoning and advanced language proficiency.
In the 6th and 7th semesters at Lac Hong University's Faculty of English Language (FEL), students engage in Translation 1 and Translation 2, which progressively increase in difficulty Translation 1 emphasizes translation techniques and theory, incorporating business-related examples and exercises In Translation 2, students practice translating texts on various topics, primarily focusing on business areas such as contracts, negotiations, and marketing This subject is crucial, as the faculty and staff are professionally trained in English translation and interpretation The English-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-English translation courses provide students with essential knowledge of the linguistic differences between the two languages and equip them with translation skills tailored to specific contexts.
Students encounter various challenges during their education, leading to poor academic performance, which directly affects final year students during their internships Consequently, these students often lack confidence in applying Business Translation in their work We recognize these challenges and are committed to providing effective solutions to help students better apply their knowledge This preparation equips them with the essential skills and experience needed in the field of translation.
The reason for choosing the topic
Translation plays a crucial role for seniors during their internship, yet students often find it challenging to integrate translation tasks into their work This difficulty arises from inadequate understanding of Translation 1 and Translation 2.
Many students at the Faculty of Education struggle with Translation 2, a course that involves translating lengthy texts into a target language This subject demands a comprehensive understanding of various elements in the translation process, yet many students fail to fully grasp the theoretical concepts introduced in Translation 1 The challenges in mastering Translation may stem from a lack of active engagement in their studies or insufficient knowledge in prerequisite or parallel courses.
Translation studies, such as Vietnamese in Practice and Specialized English Subjects, often lead to a lack of proficiency in both English and Vietnamese, hindering effective translation skills The significant differences in grammatical structures and vocabulary between these two languages, rooted in distinct cultural contexts, pose challenges for learners Without a solid foundation of knowledge and dedicated study time, students are unlikely to achieve high results Additionally, the complexity of sentence structures and specialized terminology can create obstacles for advanced students, making everyday communication in a foreign language uncomfortable for many.
Because of the above inadequacies, in this study, the researchers chooses the topic
This article examines the application of business translation courses for final-year English majors at Lac Hong University during their internships, focusing on common challenges faced in the translation process Additionally, it aims to provide effective suggestions to enhance the translation skills of these students.
Purposes of the study
This essay has three main purposes as follows:
Firstly, show the basic knowledge of Translation in general and translation in business
Final year English language students often face several common challenges during their translation internships These difficulties can be categorized into linguistic, cultural, and technical issues Linguistic challenges arise from the complexity of language structures and vocabulary differences, while cultural difficulties stem from the need to understand context and nuances in both source and target languages Technical issues may include unfamiliarity with translation tools and software Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving translation skills and enhancing the overall internship experience.
To address the challenges faced by students in synthesizing and applying theory effectively, it is essential to propose practical solutions These strategies not only enhance students' understanding but also keep senior students engaged when using English in professional settings.
Significance of the study
Translation is crucial for fostering communication and connections with other countries, particularly in the context of Vietnam's foreign relations Students who excel in translation acquire valuable knowledge and experience that will benefit their future careers, especially those in the English Language Department, as they contribute to making the English language more accessible in Vietnam.
However, students are often confused when choosing which grammatical structure to use and which phrases are suitable for the translation, so making mistakes in the translation process is inevitable
This study highlights the common challenges faced by final year students in applying their knowledge during internships and proposes effective solutions to enhance their efficiency in the workplace.
This study aims to provide lecturers and staff at Lac Hong University's FEL with a deeper understanding of students' learning in the 'Translation' subject, ultimately identifying effective methods that enhance their translation application skills.
Over the past four years, Lac Hong University, particularly the Faculty of English Language (FEL), has seen a significant increase in student enrollment, prompting a redistribution of lecturers across various subjects Faculty members are eager to enhance their teaching skills through diverse seminars and by instructing specialized courses, including 'Translation 1 and 2' Consequently, the authors anticipate that first-time lecturers teaching 'Business Translation' will find this research both useful and highly applicable.
The scope of the study
This research paper draws on my observations and experiences from two semesters of studying Translation and four months of internship practice Due to time constraints, the study specifically addresses common challenges faced by students in the four classes of cohort 18 (18AV111, 18AV112, 18AV113, and 18AV114) at FEL - Lac Hong University.
This study first gives an overview of the general knowledge of the subject of
Translation, then it mainly focuses on the practical difficulties encountered by the students of cohort 18 during their internship (this study was conducted at the time the
18 students started to intern for a month) and the application of Translation into their internship
Therefore, the writers pose two research questions as follows:
1 What are the difficulties in translation of students of cohort 18 face in the process of internship?
2 To what extent do students apply Translation 1 and Translation 2 into their internship?
Definition of ‘translation’
Translation and interpretation are key terms in Chinese translation, defined as the process of converting written text from one language to another or transforming spoken language from one country's language into that of another.
The term 'compile' (traduce) is derived from the Latin root verb 'traducere,' which signifies 'the movement from one point to another.' Consequently, translation encompasses more than merely conveying word meanings; it also involves ideological and non-verbal elements.
Here are the various definitions by scholars:
Nida and Taber (1974) describe translation as the process of creating the closest natural equivalent in the receptor language to convey the meaning and style of the source language message.
• Catford (1965:1) stated that ‘translation is a process of substituting a text in one language for a text in another language’
• According to Nord, ‘translation does not occur out of context Instead, it is a communicative action carried out for achieving a communicative purpose, as it lets different people understand a text’
• Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol: ‘The best translation is to stare at anything as if through a frosted glass, not knowing what is visible’
• Lewandowski: ‘Translation is the process through which one language is transformed into another’
• The Merriam said that, ‘translation, by dictionary definition consists of changing from one form to another, to turn into one’s own or another language’
Translation involves converting text from one language to another, allowing the translator the necessary time to ensure accuracy In contrast, compilation demands greater precision and fluidity, requiring the translator to effectively utilize the translated information in multiple contexts.
A collection of prior translations research studies
In Vietnam, English is increasingly recognized as a second language amidst global connectivity, with many individuals proficient in communication However, the demand for translation in education continues to rise, both in quantity and quality, driven by the need for cultural exchange and social development This growing demand highlights the importance of both practical and theoretical approaches to translation challenges Researchers have extensively studied translation, emphasizing that language expertise is vital for accurately navigating the complexities of translating between languages, as noted by Catford (1965).
The difficulty for translational research today, according to Associate Professor -
Dr Dang Hung Tien's work, "Research on Translation Studies and Translation Criticism," aims to develop a comprehensive theory that integrates various perspectives This approach is essential for understanding the core of translation and serves as a valuable tool for analyzing linguistic elements within a text and their role in meaning-making, particularly through the lens of foreign languages and social culture Both theoretical insights and practical experiences highlight the importance of adopting a holistic view of translation, informed by theories and advancements from related academic fields.
Over history, experts have advanced a broad perspective on the concept of translation
Translation is the process of conveying meaning from one language to another As defined by Hartman and Stock (1972), it involves replacing a text in one language with an equivalent text in another language.
‘Translation is to duplicate in the receptor language the natural and close equivalence to the message of the source language, first always foremost in terms of meaning,’ write
Translation involves analyzing vocabulary, learning structures, and communication contexts to determine the meaning of the source text and reproduce it accurately in the target language, as noted by Larson (1998) Nida and Taber (1974) emphasize the importance of contextual factors in this process In contrast, Newmark (1981) offers a different perspective on translation practices.
‘translation is the transformation of one text into another in the same way as the author expresses it when producing that text’
Although the descriptions above differ widely, they share one feature: comparability in translation Find the nearest equal or equivalent while retaining the message and style
A translation method is crucial for translators when conveying meaning from the source language to the target language Some theorists, like Newmark (1988), refer to this as translation methods, while others, such as Graedler (2000) and Nida (1964), call it translation procedures Newmark asserts that the translation process encompasses entire texts but is primarily applied to phrases and linguistic units smaller than sentences.
There have been numerous language idea research publications published to date, including: ‘A Linguistic Theory of Ilalicized: An essal in applied the linguistics’ of
CATFORD J (1965), ‘The Theory and Pratice of Translation’ (1964), or ‘Towards a
Science of Translating: With Special reference to Principes and procedures involves in Bible translating’, of NIDA E.A & Taber Ch (1974), ’Comment faunt-it traduire?’of
Research by Cary Ed (1985) and others seeks to address the question, "Is translation possible?" Various ideas and solutions have been implemented to achieve optimal results Despite some shortcomings, these approaches share a commonality: they often develop translation theories grounded in linguistic principles.
Translation has a long history in Vietnam, but professional training facilities have only recently begun to emerge Many translators either experiment with the craft independently or acquire skills through limited practice in foreign language schools This approach often leads to significant limitations, including a lack of comprehensive experience among instructors regarding the translation process Consequently, the methods for addressing challenges in translation are largely influenced by the teachers' subjective views and grounded in theoretical language principles, as well as the misconception that translation relies solely on the language knowledge one has acquired.
Professor Hoang Van Van ‘Nghiên cứu dịch thuật, 2003’ and Associate Professor
Vu Van Dai have recently published a series of research papers on translation theory
Trong lĩnh vực dịch thuật, một số tài liệu quan trọng bao gồm "Giáo trình lý thuyết dịch - Aspect theorique de la traduction" (2003) và "Kỹ năng dịch: Cơ sở lý thuyết và phương pháp rèn luyện" (2004) Le Hung Tien đã đóng góp với tác phẩm "Lý thuyết và thực tiễn dịch thuật Anh-Việt" (2010), trong khi Dinh Hong Van nhấn mạnh "Vai trò của phân tích và nhận biết thông tin trong dịch thuật" (2008) và "Nâng cao kỹ năng hiểu trong biên-phiên dịch" (2010).
‘Improved comprehension abilities in translation-interpretation’,2008; and
‘information recognition in translation’, 2008; and ‘improved comprehension skills in translation-interpretation’, 2010 Trinh Lu has completed a Vietnamese adaptation of
Jeremy Munday's book, ‘Introduction to Translation Studies - Theory and Applications’, highlights key themes in translation theory, supported by various publications in specialized journals like Language and Language & Life Additionally, numerous theses and dissertations have explored these themes This body of work addresses several critical issues that arise during the translation process.
Despite the growing interest in translation studies, there remains a scarcity of comprehensive research on translation in Vietnam According to an Associate, there is a notable absence of studies focused specifically on the philosophy and methods of translation between the two languages.
Professor Le Hung Tien, although the English version is currently a prominent issue in Vietnam, there is little research on the subject.
What is Business English translation? How important is the Business English
English translation involves converting original texts into English while maintaining the integrity of the original content The primary goal is to facilitate reading, necessitating the regular use of dictionaries to find appropriate vocabulary for various formats such as reference books, comics, and novels Successful translation requires a strong command of grammar, reading, writing, sentence structure, and a formal style Additionally, aspiring translators should enhance their understanding of foreign cultures, history, politics, and education to enrich their vocabulary and industry knowledge.
Many individuals proficient in English lack formal training in fields like economics or engineering, often prioritizing communication skills While mastering grammar is important, true proficiency in English extends beyond this, especially in today's globalized world where English serves primarily as a tool for translation.
To excel in a specialized English job, a strong foundation in language and translation skills is essential Many individuals proficient in fields like science, economics, and engineering often lack fluency in English, typically receiving only basic instruction Courses in translation are crucial for developing expertise in business economics and enhancing essential English skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—necessary for success in business-related studies Additionally, these courses focus on soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and presentation, which are vital for both academic and professional environments Mastery of English and translation provides a significant competitive edge in the job market.
1 and 2 is a strong advantage for you It's also a stepping stone to developing your own successful career.
Some challenges in Translation 1 and Translation 2
The demand for individuals with specialized knowledge in foreign languages is increasing, particularly in educational and professional settings However, inadequate specialized English training for students leads to low self-esteem upon high school graduation, ultimately hindering their career development.
‘In fact, I meet a lot of engineers who aren't particularly good with specialist English, but they're typically very slow at their jobs’ Mr Phan Tri Dung, Director of
Petech Science and Technology Joint Stock Company, shared his thoughts Many businesses today are concerned about this while recruiting graduates from universities
Specialized vocabulary, as defined by Richards & Schmidt (1992), refers to terms used exclusively within specific fields Translation, in particular, requires not only linguistic skills but also knowledge of related disciplines A lack of understanding in these areas can lead to difficulties for translators, as it is essential to not only know the meaning of a word but also to interpret the message it conveys within its specific context.
For instance, consider the following terms linked to business and sales:
+CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is an abbreviation for Chief Executive Officer in the English language
+ The job of Production Director is abbreviated as CPO (Chief Production Officer)
+In English, CFO (Chief Financial Officer) refers to the position of Chief Financial Officer
+ CHRO (Chief Human Resource Officer) is understood as the Director of Human Resources
+ CCO (Chief Customer Officer) is the Sales Director + Sales Executive: Sales staff (somewhere called Sales Staff) +Senior Sales Executive: Sales specialist
+Sales Manager: Head of sales department +Sales Representative: Sales Representative + Key Account: equivalent to ‘Sales Executive’
+Account manager: similar to ‘Sales Manager’, but with the task of protecting and caring for a particular number of customers, depending on the name of the organization
+ Key account manager: Similar to ‘Account Manager’, but focuses just on companies most important customers
Polysemy refers to a word that possesses multiple meanings, often with variations in pronunciation, as noted by Quiroga-Clare (2003) Such words can lead to confusion, making it essential to be cautious when researching new terms It's important to examine dictionary examples to uncover any alternative meanings In English, many words translate into Vietnamese with various interpretations, highlighting the necessity of context for accurate understanding.
For example, the word ‘problem’ can be translated as: ‘vấn đề’, ‘vấn nạn’, ‘tệ nạn’,
‘khó khăn’, ‘trục trặc’, ‘biến chứng’, ‘lỗi’ and ‘thắc mắc’ depends on the specific context ‘Le, 2006’
-Noun UK /əˈdres/, US /ˈổd.res/: address (in city or email, post office) For example: I can give you the address of a good attorney
- Verb: UK /əˈdres/, US /əˈdres/: deal with
For example: We’ll address that question at the next meeting
- Verb: speak or write to someone
For example: That letter was addressed to me
- Noun /ˈɒl.tə.nət/: substitution, object
- Adjective /ɒlˈtɜː nət/: in turn, alternately
For example: A dessert with alternate layers of chocolate and cream
– Verb /ˈɒl.tə.neɪt/: alternately change
For example: She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair
The differences in sentence structure between English and Vietnamese present significant challenges in translation Each author expresses their ideas uniquely, leading to variations across texts Additionally, certain terms may not exist in one language, complicating the translation process This complexity requires translators to have a deep understanding of the grammatical structures of both languages to achieve accurate translations.
According to Associate Professor Ph.D Le Hung Tien, English and Vietnamese account for 30% of the challenges faced by students in translation This is due to the fundamental differences between the two languages, as English belongs to the Germanic language family and Vietnamese is part of the Austroasiatic language family, leading to significant variations in vocabulary, syntax, and other linguistic aspects.
Most English words exhibit a snowball structure, where the addition of prefixes or suffixes alters their type or meaning This characteristic poses a considerable challenge for translation.
A prefix is a letter or group of words that is added before the root word to change the meaning of the word
Inside the term ‘unhealthy’ for example, the prefix ‘un’ carries a negative meaning – ‘no’
The term 'healthy' signifies a state of well-being By adding the prefix 'un' to 'healthy', we create the word 'unhealthy', which conveys the opposite meaning, indicating a lack of health.
A suffix is a letter added to the end of a word to serve a grammatical purpose, changing the type of word and potentially altering its meaning Unlike prefixes, which primarily affect semantics, suffixes have significant grammatical implications.
For example, in the word ‘scientist’
The root word means ‘science’
So, when adding the suffix ‘ist’ used for nouns indicating people, so when combined, we will have ‘scientist’- ‘nhà khoa học’
In English grammar, verbs typically follow the subject and precede other elements like objects, adjectives, adverbs, and nouns In contrast, Vietnamese often positions verbs directly after the subject For example, the sentences "She is pretty" in English and its Vietnamese equivalent illustrate this structural difference while conveying the same meaning.
In English, the sentence structure follows the pattern Subject (she) Verb (is) Adjective (pretty), while in Vietnamese, it is structured as Subject (Cô ấy) Adjective (đẹp) Additionally, English features a complex tense system with 21 different tenses that express time and conjugation based on the tense of each sentence.
The notable differences between English and Vietnamese present significant challenges for students translating sentences, especially in complex fields like commerce, economics, and law To achieve accurate translations across various disciplines, translators must possess a strong understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Translating between English and Vietnamese can lead to errors if one does not fully grasp the grammar of both languages Language is intricate and constantly evolving, requiring translators to master the appropriate structures in each language It is essential to ensure that translations are thorough while maintaining the original meaning and consistency in presentation.
Language is a crucial element of culture, reflecting and influencing it simultaneously According to Brown (1994: 165), "Language is part of culture, and culture is part of language; both are so intimately connected that it is difficult to separate one without losing the relevance of the other." Therefore, learning a foreign language should involve an understanding of both the source and target language cultures, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in foreign language teaching.
For translation to effectively facilitate intercultural communication in a multicultural world, it is essential for translators to possess a deep understanding of the relevant culture This insight has been emphasized by numerous translators and cultural experts throughout the history of translation in our country.
To achieve optimal translation, the late Vietnamese Professor and translator Nguyen Van Hoan emphasized that translators should go beyond mere word translation and possess a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of the text This perspective is echoed by renowned translator Tran Duong, who highlights the importance of cultural context in the translation process.
Objectives
This study aims to identify the key challenges encountered by students in four classes of cohort 18 at FEL during their internships, while also providing recommendations to enhance their practical experience through improved translation techniques.
To reach the desired objective, the research process involves several key steps: collecting data, analyzing that data, and conducting a personal assessment to explore the relationship between theory and practical application.
Chapter III will help readers better understand the methodology of this research.
Population and sampling
This study focuses on 100 students from the Faculty of English Language at Lac Hong University, specifically from four classes: 18AV111, 18AV112, 18AV113, and 18AV114 The respondents, aged 21 to 22, were engaged in internships where they applied their English knowledge to translation tasks This practical experience allows for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced during the compilation process, enhancing the objectivity, persuasiveness, and reliability of the research findings.
Methods
This study utilized a quantitative approach to ensure reliable and persuasive data, based on a questionnaire administered to 18 AV students Researchers aimed to gather students' opinions through both questionnaires and interviews However, due to extended lockdowns, data collection was conducted online rather than in person To enhance the effectiveness and objectivity of the research, the survey was distributed to a diverse group of participants.
3.2 Data collection instruments 3.2.1 Questionnaire to students
Students of 18AV completed a questionnaire consisting of 10 English questions, including eight multiple-choice and two open-ended questions, focusing on their experiences in Translation 1 and 2 and the challenges faced during internships The questionnaire aimed to identify areas for improvement in English translation skills Researchers developed the questionnaire using Google Forms, ensuring that each student answered independently to maintain objectivity All responses and personal information were kept confidential, accessible only to the researchers For further details, please refer to Appendix 1 on page 41.
The authors conducted interviews with students from the 18AV classes to gain insights into the challenges faced during their internships The interview comprised four questions and was administered to three students across different classes Participants recorded or videotaped their responses, ensuring confidentiality of their answers and personal information, which will only be accessible to the researchers For additional details, please refer to Appendix 2 on page 46.
After collecting the data, the researchers analyzed the results of the questionnaire to summarize the challenges faced by eighteen course students during their internships, while also evaluating their interview responses Both the survey data and interview answers were consistently translated into English.
The writers analyze, evaluate, and compare the learning and application of the study of translation by qualitative method
A quantitative method is used by the authors to convert data into percentage form and identify the obstacles students face when translating (Nunan, 1992)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ON THE FINDINGS
With the research scope and research subjects mentioned in Chapter I, the results obtained will be somewhat modest in determining the difficulties when applying business translation to practice
The results and discussion of this paper are presented in accordance with the two research questions that were proposed earlier.
Results from questionnaires
• The application of the subject Translation 1 and Translation 2 at internship places
Chart 1.1: Departments interns work in
Customer services Human Resources Consulting Import and Export Sales and Marketing Accounting
Chart 1.2: Applying English in the internship
In today's interconnected world, English has become a crucial global language, especially as the economy continues to consolidate Many international corporations have expanded their operations, with Vietnam being a key player in this trend Consequently, there is a growing demand for professionals who can communicate effectively in English This presents a significant advantage for students majoring in English, particularly those from the Faculty of English Language (FEL) at Lac Hong University.
Final year students are actively engaged in various departments, with a significant focus on sales and marketing, which comprises 23% of their roles, and customer service at 14% Additionally, 21% of students intern in diverse positions such as designers and secretaries Notably, English is predominantly used across all departments, with over half of the students (51.2%) reporting regular use of the language in their work Among those majoring in English, 34.9% consistently utilize English in their internship roles, highlighting its importance in the professional environment.
English as the main language in their internship; the remaining 11.6 percent did not use English during the internship
• Tasks required the use of Translation in Business
Chart 1.3: Tasks requiring the use of the subject Translation in Business
Translation 1 and Translation 2 are the two subjects that provide students with knowledge in the fields of economics, business, finance, etc., and issues related to commerce As a result, during the internship, the students could easily apply the knowledge they have learned to work at the internship sites Researchers have analyzed and synthesized a number of tasks that students are often asked to do in internships
Translation subjects, particularly Translation 1 & 2, are highly beneficial for interns in office roles, with 58.1% of students utilizing these courses to translate specialized documents during their internships Additionally, 48.8% of interns frequently translated documents and dispatches into two languages Work emails and documents assigned by superiors were translated by 34.9% of students The translation techniques acquired in Translation 1 were effectively applied by a cohort of 18 students to various requests However, a small percentage (4.6%) of students did not apply their translation knowledge in the workplace.
Translating official documents Translating office emails
Translating specialized documents of the internship place
Translating documents assigned by superiors Not suitable for my work
• Difficulties in the translation process when working in internship
Chart 1.4: The difficulty level in English translation
English translation involves utilizing knowledge of the English language to accurately convert documents between languages, whether written or spoken This process can occur in both directions, translating from English to Vietnamese or vice versa A skilled translator is essential, as effective language use is crucial for quality translation The accompanying pie chart illustrates the percentage of cohort 18 students who assessed the difficulty of switching between English and Vietnamese.
The data indicates that translation from Vietnamese to English is the primary concern for students, with 34.9 percent expressing difficulty Additionally, 23.3 percent find English-Vietnamese translation challenging, particularly among students in internships Notably, 27.9 percent of cohort 18 perceive the translation between the two languages as equally difficult, while only 14 percent feel competent to translate fluently in both languages This highlights that language differences remain a significant issue for most final year students in the FEL.
• The difficulties interns faced during their internship
Equally simple English - Vietnamese Vietnamese - English Equally difficult
Chart 1.5: The difficulties when translating documents during your internship
Students encounter significant challenges when pursuing internships, as highlighted in Section 4 of Chapter II The issues identified by the researchers in this study represent just a fraction of the broader difficulties students experience during the internship compilation process.
A recent survey involving over 40 participants revealed that 67.4 percent of respondents identified vocabulary limitations, including specialized and multi-sense terms, as the most significant challenge in document translation Additionally, 46.5 percent cited a lack of specialized knowledge in their internship fields as a major barrier to effective translation Furthermore, 34.9 percent of students expressed concerns about their grammar and sentence structure skills in translation These findings highlight the theoretical and practical difficulties faced by students, particularly in the application of Translation 1 concepts.
Translation 2 of interns was due to cultural factors and time limitation, with figures of
29.7 percent and 18.6 percent, respectively Cultural differences make students less confident and cause ambiguity when interpreting materials into the target language Besides, the time limitation is also the reason why the assigned documents are not
Limited lexical resource: specialized vocabulary, multi-meaning vocabulary
Lack of specialized know of the internship field
All have difficulties translated properly and fluently The above suggestions were difficult for a small percentage of the total students (4.6 percent)
• The role of Translation 1 & 2 subjects during the internships
Chart 1.6: Preparation of translation into the internship
English is increasingly recognized as a vital subject across all age groups, including students and professionals Proficiency in English translation not only enhances job prospects but also facilitates cultural exchange and sharing of experiences globally At Lac Hong University, the Faculty of English Language (FEL) has integrated Translation 1 & 2 into its curriculum, equipping students with a solid foundation for careers in translation, which encompasses translating texts, documents, and videos A recent survey highlights essential skills that students should develop to maximize their effectiveness in the field of translation.
At 72.1 percent, this proves that students who are doing internship value the consolidation of their specialized knowledge as very important Specialized documents contain a large number of specialized terms and words Even a small mistake can make the translation become misused or even meaningless Furthermore, nearly half (44.8 percent) of survey respondents mentioned effective reading skills as an important factor
Expertise in using mother tongue
Effective translation requires specialized knowledge and a range of skills, including information searching, vocabulary lookup, and time management Understanding the content of a text is crucial for accurate translation, as translators often encounter unfamiliar words and concepts Despite a strong command of English, students must also be proficient in their mother tongue to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in their translations Interestingly, only 32.6 percent of students recognize the importance of fluency in Vietnamese Additionally, time management is highlighted as a vital skill, with 16.3 percent of students emphasizing the need for discipline and punctuality in their work.
Results from interview
The researchers gathered insights from a questionnaire and conducted interviews with three students from cohort 18 to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in translation application during their internship.
The study reveals that the interviewees encountered significant challenges in translation, particularly with figurative language, literal translations, and overall fluency They acknowledged that these issues hindered their ability to convey the intended meaning, leading to potential misinterpretations by readers The lack of smoothness in translation not only detracts from the reader's experience but also diminishes the effectiveness of the text Fear of losing the original meaning often results in a rigid, word-for-word approach, neglecting the importance of adapting the message to fit the target language's style.
The second interview question focuses on the document translation requirements, clarifying the essential aspects of document compilation Accurate translation of sentence structures and word usage is crucial, but maintaining a professional working style is equally important All three students emphasized the necessity of ensuring accuracy, honesty in translations, and the confidentiality of customer information.
Question three addresses the significance of writing skills in the context of commercial translation Students unanimously agree that strong writing abilities are crucial for effective English translation Proficient writing skills enable students to understand sentence structures and analyze the meaning and style of texts more easily.
Three students were asked to identify tools for vocabulary lookup and translation assistance In response, researchers compiled a list of four helpful websites: Ozdic for collocations, a thesaurus for English synonyms, Ngrams for vocabulary lookup, and Rewordify for writing English theses and reports.
To students of the Faculty of English Language
To address challenges effectively, it is essential to engage students' self-awareness and discipline Each student must recognize the significance of translation in their internship experiences and future careers By fostering this understanding, individuals can develop their own strategies to transform negative circumstances into positive outcomes.
To excel in Translation subjects, students should adopt an active attitude and engage collaboratively with their lecturers It is essential for students to attentively follow lectures, take detailed notes, and participate actively in discussions, both with peers and instructors Additionally, addressing any challenges promptly with lecturers is crucial to finding solutions quickly, ensuring that difficulties do not hinder their progress in translation studies.
Students should strive to complete their homework independently and seek additional translated materials to enhance their translation skills The efforts they invest today will serve as valuable preparation for applying translation techniques in their future careers.
For FEL students, mastering vocabulary is crucial as it forms the foundation of complete sentences Each student should develop a personalized approach that aligns with their unique ability to memorize words and phrases The researchers present two effective methods for students to consider.
To enhance vocabulary retention, students should maintain a dedicated notebook for noting specialized terms, phrases, and polysemous words encountered in daily life, such as during school, news broadcasts, or reading materials This notebook serves as a valuable resource for quick reviews during free moments, reinforcing learning and improving language skills.
One effective method for learning is the use of flashcards, a popular educational tool Creating flashcards is straightforward: simply take a blank or colored paper template and write English words on one side and their Vietnamese meanings on the other This allows students to study collaboratively or independently by flipping the cards to guess meanings Additionally, flashcards are highly portable, making them convenient for review during free moments.
1.3 Improving grammar and sentence structures
Grammar plays a crucial role in forming complete and meaningful sentences, alongside vocabulary To enhance their grammar skills, students should adopt effective methods, such as maintaining a notebook to jot down useful structures and expressions The adage "once written, once remembered" highlights the importance of note-taking in learning Additionally, students are encouraged to explore reputable websites and dictionaries to deepen their understanding of specific sentence structures and overall grammar knowledge.
The current study has notable limitations, including a small sample size of 43 responses from 110 students across four 18AV classes, which may affect the study's overall credibility Additionally, the researchers faced time and knowledge constraints that prevented a comprehensive exploration of the interns' challenges Data collection was conducted online, limiting control over participant responses and potentially leading to some irrelevant answers Furthermore, the research focused solely on the application of translation during internships, narrowing the scope to only the students of cohort 18 from the FEL program.
Based on the study results, the researchers also made some recommendations for future studies:
For further research
2 Research more deeply and in more detail about the difficulties that students face during the two semesters of Translation subjects and the importance of business translation in their future work
3 Further research could be to explore the effectiveness of translation methods and the relationships between learning outcomes and translation application.
Topic: The application of the course of Translation to last-year English majors at Lac Hong University (LHU) during their internship process
Chủ đề: Ứng dụng của môn Biên Dịch vào thực tập của các sinh viên năm cuối khoa Ngôn ngữ Anh, Đại học Lạc Hồng
We are conducting research on the application of business translation for final-year English majors at LHU during their internships To address various challenges in Commercial Translation encountered during these internships, we seek to gather insights regarding the translation process from your experiences.
We kindly ask you to take 3-5 minutes to complete this survey Your honest and accurate responses are crucial for our research, and we assure you that your personal information will remain completely confidential.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this survey
Chúng tôi đang tiến hành nghiên cứu về ứng dụng của Biên Dịch Tiếng Anh Thương Mại trong quá trình thực tập của sinh viên năm cuối khoa Ngôn Ngữ Anh tại trường Đại học Lạc Hồng Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu là giải quyết các vấn đề liên quan đến Biên dịch tiếng Anh Thương Mại trong thời gian thực tập Chúng tôi rất cần ý kiến của bạn về quá trình biên dịch tại nơi bạn thực tập để thu thập thông tin hữu ích.
Chúng tôi rất mong bạn dành 3-5 phút để hoàn thành khảo sát này Các câu trả lời của bạn sẽ chỉ được sử dụng cho nghiên cứu này, vì vậy xin hãy trả lời một cách chân thành và chính xác Chúng tôi cam kết bảo mật tuyệt đối thông tin cá nhân của bạn.
Cảm ơn bạn đã giành thời gian để đóng góp cho cuộc khảo sát này
1 What department do you work in at the internship place?
Bạn làm ở bộ phận nào ở nơi thực tập?
Chúng mình là , là sinh viên , khoa Ngôn Ngữ Anh của Đại học Lạc Hồng
We ar of the Faculty of English Language at Lac Hong University
2 Do you use English a lot in your work at the internship place?
Công việc của bạn tại nơi thực tập có sử dụng đến tiếng Anh nhiều không?
A: No use English (Không sử dụng tiếng Anh) B: A little/sometimes (Có một chút/thỉnh thoảng) C: Frequently (Thường xuyên)
D: Always (Hoàn toàn bằng tiếng Anh) E: Other/ Khác: ………
3 What do you apply the subject Translation 1 and Translation 2 in? (You can choose more than 1 answer)
Bạn ứng dụng môn Biên Dịch 1 và Biên Dịch 2 trong việc gì? (Bạn có thể chọn nhiều hơn 1 đáp án)
A: Translating official documents (Dịch các công văn, văn bản) B: Translating office emails (Dịch email công sở)
C: Translating specialized documents of the internship place (Dịch các tài liệu chuyên ngành tại nơi thực tập)
D: Translating documents assigned by superiors (Dịch các tài liệu cấp trên giao) E: Other/ Khác………
4 How well would you valuate your ability in studying Translation?
Bạn tự đánh giá khả năng học môn ‘Biên Dịch Thương Mại’ của bạn như nào?
A: Excellent (Xuất sắc) B: Very good (Rất tốt) C: Good (Tốt)
D: Fairly good (Khá) E: Average (Bình thường) F: Below average (Chưa tốt)
5 How well would you rate your ability to apply the subject Translation during your internship?
Bạn tự đánh giá khả năng ứng dụng môn học ‘Biên Dịch Thương Mại’ trong thực tập của bạn thế nào?
A: Excellent (Xuất sắc) B: Very good (Rất tốt) C: Good (Tốt)
D: Fairly good (Khá) E: Average (Bình thường) F: Below average (Chưa tốt) G: Poor (Kém)
6 What was your GPA in Translation 2? Điểm trung bình môn ‘Biên Dịch 2’ của bạn là bao nhiêu?
A: Above 8.0 (Trên 8.0) B: From 7.0 to 8.0 (Từ 7.0 - 8.0) C: From 6.0 to 7.0 (Từ 6.0 - 7.0) D: From 5.0 to 6.0 (Từ 5.0 - 6.0) E: Less than 5.0 (Dưới 5.0)
7 Which part do you find more difficult: English-Vietnamese or Vietnamese- English?
Bạn cảm thấy khi dịch Anh-Việt hay dịch Việt-Anh, phần nào khó hơn?
A: Equally simple (đơn giản như nhau) B: English - Vietnamese (Tiếng Anh - Tiếng Việt) C: Vietnamese - English (Tiếng Việt - Tiếng Anh) D: Equally difficult (khó như nhau)
8 What are your difficulties in the process of translating documents during your internship? (You can choose more than 2 answers)
Trong quá trình dịch thuật tại nơi thực tập, bạn thấy điều gì gây khó khăn cho bạn? (Các bạn có thể trả lời trên 2 đáp án)
A: Limited lexical resource: specialized vocabulary, multi-meaning vocabulary (Hạn chế từ vựng: từ vựng chuyên ngành, từ vựng đa nghĩa)
B: Grammar, sentence structures (Ngữ pháp, cấu trúc câu) C: Cultural differences (Khác biệt văn hóa)
D: Lack of specialized know of the internship field (Thiếu kiến thức chuyên ngành tại nơi thực tập)
E: Time limitation (Hạn chế về mặt thời gian) F: Other/Khác:………
9 In order to apply the subject Translation effectively during your internship, what do you need to prepare? (You can choose more than 2 answers) Để ứng dụng môn Biên Dịch Thương Mại hiệu quả trong quá trình thực tập, bạn cần phải chuẩn bị những gì? (Các bạn có thể trả lời trên 2 đáp án)
A: Expertise in using mother tongue (Vietnamese) (Sử dụng thông thạo tiếng mẹ đẻ (tiếng Việt))
B: Preparation of specialized know (Kiến thức chuyên ngành) C: Skills of searching information (Kĩ năng tra cứu thông tin) D: Vocabulary lookup skills (Kĩ năng tra cứu từ vựng)
E: Time management skills (Kĩ năng quản lí thời gian) F: Effective reading skills (Kĩ năng đọc tài liệu hiệu quả) G:Other/Khác:
10 What would Translation 1 and Translation 2 help you during your internship?
Môn ‘Biên Dịch Thương Mại 1 và Biên Dịch Thương Mại 2’ đã giúp gì cho bạn trong quá trình thực tập?