An Analysis of some Linguistic Problems in Translation between Arabic and English Faced by Yemeni English Majors at Hadramout University

Abstract

This study proposes to explore some linguistic problems in English-Arabic translations and vice versa empirically and find tangible evidence of the areas that pose real problems for English Language Undergraduates at Hadramout University. Further, no studies have attempted to account for the linguistic problems encountered by English Language Undergraduates at Hadramout University by empirically investigating authentic translations produced by them. This study is participatory action research, which draws its principles for research from the qualitative paradigm. 54 students of English Language Department, Faculty of Arts at Hadramout University in the Yemeni academic year 2009/2010 participated in this study. The outcome of this research indicates fundamental weaknesses among students in grammar causing them great hardship in comprehending and translating sentences from English into Arabic and vice versa. Some effective recommendations and proposals have been introduced as pedagogical methods and remedying measures to the deteriorated situation.