Investigating Recurrent Translation Errors in English-to-Arabic Translation by Undergraduate Students at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Misurata University

Abstract

This study examines recurrent translation errors among Arabic-speaking undergraduate students at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Misurata University, focusing on English-to-Arabic translation tasks. Using Liao’s (2010) error classification framework, the research categorized errors into rendition, language, and miscellaneous types. Data were collected from ten students enrolled in a Translation and International Organizations course through qualitative analysis of their translations. Findings revealed frequent grammatical inaccuracies, lexical omissions, and challenges in maintaining syntactic coherence and appropriate register. The results suggest that translation courses should include more practical training, such as error-analysis drills, as well as training in the proper use of Modern Standard Arabic in translation and incorporating real-world translation tasks to help students enhance the quality of their translation.