Exploring the Challenges of Collocation Translation: A Case Study of ELF Students at Omar Almukhtar University

Abstract

This paper examines the challenges involved in translating collocations from English into Arabic, specifically focusing on the difficulties encountered by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students during the translation process. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data derived from Newmark's translation procedures with qualitative data obtained through a questionnaire, in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and obstacles associated with translating collocations. The participants in the study were Arabic-speaking students enrolled in English courses at Omar Almukhtar University, who were asked to translate English collocations. The findings indicate that many students lacked familiarity with common collocations. The challenges in translating collocations were attributed to various factors, including linguistic and cultural barriers, misunderstandings of collocation meanings, and a tendency to rely on literal translation and word-for-word strategies. Interestingly, the results also suggested that the quality of the university's translation education system may contribute to the difficulties encountered in collocation translation, potentially indicating shortcomings in the curriculum, teaching methods, or student support related to collocation translation skills.