Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English Grammatical errors of finalyear Englishmajored students at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
Rationale
English today holds a significance in the global landscape comparable to that of Latin during the Roman Empire and the Medieval period.
Learning English is crucial due to its status as a global language, rooted in the historical influence of the British Empire At its height, Great Britain shaped the linguistic landscape of countries such as America, Australia, and India English served not only as the means of communication between colonies and their governing powers but also became the primary language for trade, diplomacy, and international business.
America's growing influence has solidified English as a vital global language Despite attempts to develop an artificial universal language, English remains the predominant choice for communication across various sectors worldwide.
English translation has become an essential tool for global success, particularly as Vietnam joins international organizations like the WTO, APEC, and CPTPP As a result, there is a growing demand for professional translation skills among Vietnamese students, which are crucial for integrating into the global economy and facilitating cultural exchanges Mastering these skills not only supports economic development but also enhances job prospects for students in their future careers.
The translation process demands that translators possess a strong grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and relevant skills Students often struggle with translating word by word due to the influence of their native language, leading to numerous mistakes in Vietnamese-English translations Grammar plays a crucial role in translation; incorrect grammar can alter the intended meaning of a sentence, resulting in misunderstandings for the audience.
At Thuongmai University (TMU), English proficiency is essential for graduation, particularly for English majors, where translation is a mandatory subject crucial for future careers Despite this requirement, many students face challenges in translation My research focuses on the "Grammatical errors of final-year English-majored students at TMU when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English." I aim to assist English faculty students in addressing their grammatical issues and enhancing their translation skills.
Previous studies
A study titled “College Students’ Errors in Translation / Errors Analysis,” conducted by Saad Salal Sarhan at Al-Mustansiriyha University, focused on fourth-year English Department students Utilizing a questionnaire and a test involving 70 male and female participants, the research revealed that students encountered various translation errors, including grammar, meaning, style, spelling, and organization of ideas Specifically, 40 students struggled with meaning errors, while 15 students faced grammar issues, and another 15 exhibited errors in meaning, spelling, and organization The study concludes with recommendations for classroom teaching strategies to address these challenges.
In Vietnam, a study conducted by Tran Thi Bich Ngoc and colleagues at the University of Languages and International Studies examined common translation errors made by 25 third-year students in the Faculty of English Language Teacher Education Utilizing qualitative methods, the researchers collected and analyzed translation errors, categorizing them into three primary groups: grammar errors, comprehension errors, and transmission errors The findings revealed that grammar errors were the most prevalent, with six specific types identified, including inappropriate synonym selection, incorrect prepositions, and structural errors To address these challenges, the research team proposed targeted teaching strategies aimed at enhancing students' translation skills.
The aims of the study
The aim of this study is to clarify three main issues:
This study aims to identify the grammatical errors made by final-year English majors at TMU when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English Additionally, it seeks to explore the underlying causes of these errors that impact the students' translation process.
+ To suggest some solutions that can help students improve grammar as well as translation skills.
The study used quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection It aims to seek answers to the following questions:
1 What are the common grammatical errors of final-year English-majored students at TMU when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English.
2 What are the factors that cause these common grammatical errors?
3 What are the possible solutions to solve these problems?
Research subjects
Grammatical errors frequently occur when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English, particularly among final-year English majors at TMU Given their advanced level of English proficiency and familiarity with university teaching methods after three years of study, examining these students will provide insights into the effectiveness of teaching practices and the learning styles prevalent in higher education.
Scope of the study
This study investigates the grammatical errors made by final-year English majors at TMU when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English It aims to identify the challenges these students encounter and propose effective solutions However, it does not address issues related to vocabulary, description, context, or the four core language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
This study primarily targets English-majored students due to the constraints of graduation paper length, time, and experience, and it does not encompass all students from the English Faculty or other faculties at TMU.
I selected students majoring in English due to their extensive knowledge of the language and years of studying grammar They recognize the significance and challenges of learning English overall, particularly in the context of translating between Vietnamese and English.
The study focuses on a specific group of 80 randomly selected students from six classes: K53N1, K53N2, K53N3, K53N4, K53N5, and K53N6 Participants will be invited to complete a survey questionnaire, and the researcher will also conduct random interviews with selected individuals from these classes.
3 teachers at English Faculty of TMU.
Research methodology
This research project’s selected approach is a quantitative type of study because this approach is accurate, objective, and more effective The research was carried out in the following methodologies:
I conducted extensive research by searching for essential documents online and at the TMU library Additionally, I explored previous studies focused on translation, grammar, and the export industry To further enhance my understanding, I purchased relevant books from bookstores, providing me with valuable insights and foundational knowledge to improve my research quality.
The study includes survey questionnaires for students who are students of English faculty at TMU The survey investigates 80 students at TMU.
Survey questionnaires are an efficient tool for gathering data and information quickly They are crafted to enable researchers to easily summarize and analyze the collected data This method is not only more convenient and cost-effective but also allows students to respond effortlessly Additionally, questionnaires provide valuable insights and recommendations.
The researcher collects the translations of students studying the translation subject, and then the researcher finds out the grammatical errors, analysis and corrects them.
The data collection process is designed with two main steps:
In this phase, the researcher formulates concise and clear questions for participants, focusing on common translation issues, their underlying causes, and potential solutions The questionnaire, comprising ten questions, is then submitted to the supervisor for feedback before the researcher finalizes the complete version.
The researcher distributed questionnaires to final-year English majors at TMU, encouraging them to provide thoughtful and attentive responses to ensure the most objective results.
The questionnaire on the Internet is conducted, there will be an application system that will statistically answer specific questions.
Although this method requires significant time investment, it yields a high response rate and proves to be reliable By analyzing students' translations, researchers can identify grammatical errors and offer effective solutions for correction.
The researcher started collecting Vietnamese-English translations about export industry of English-majored students in the classes or through the Internet such as Facebook, Zalo.
After getting results from the survey and translations, the researcher usesMicrosoft Office software such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint to display the results through specific tables and charts.
Organization of the study
My graduation thesis is divided into four chapters:
Chapter 1: Overview of the study
This chapter includes the rationale for the study, aims of the study, research subjects, scope of the study, research methodology, and study organization.
In this chapter, the researcher examines and analyzes key theories and studies pertinent to the research topic, emphasizing those that are directly related to translation, English grammar, and the export industry.
In this chapter, the researcher justifies and details the research methodology, outlining the data collection and processing techniques Additionally, the researcher presents the survey results along with comprehensive analyses and evaluations of these findings.
Based on the findings from Chapter 3, the researcher offers recommendations for English-majored students at TMU to address identified challenges, while also outlining the study's limitations and suggesting avenues for future research.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of translation
Translation is a complex process aimed at achieving meaning equivalence between a source language and a target language It involves conveying the essence of a source text through an equivalent text in another language To ensure accuracy and fidelity to the original, a translator must possess a deep understanding of both languages, as well as the ability to capture the author's intentions, ideas, and opinions effectively.
Vietnamese researchers Bui Tien Bao and Dang Xuan Thu (1997) emphasize that translators focus on converting written texts from one language to another, handling a variety of assignments from simple documents like birth certificates to complex materials such as legal contracts and specialized articles Additionally, Tu Anh (2005) defines translation as the process of conveying a thought expressed in one language through another, identifying the source language as the original and the target language as the translated medium.
Translation involves reproducing the closest natural equivalent of a source language message in the receptor language (Nida & Taber, 1982) It is a transfer process that transforms written text from the source language to an optimally equivalent target-language text, necessitating a deep understanding of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, along with analytical processing (Wilss, 1982).
According to Newmark (1981), translation involves conveying the meaning of a text into another language while preserving the author's original intent He further elaborates that translation is a skill aimed at substituting a written message in one language with an equivalent message in another language (1982).
Bell (1991) states that translation is replacing a text in one language by an equivalent text in another language Hatim and Munday (2004: 6) supports
“translation as the process of transferring a written text from source language to target language.”
Translation, as defined by Brislin (1976), encompasses the transfer of thoughts and ideas between languages, regardless of their written or oral form, established orthographies, or whether they involve sign languages Despite varying perspectives on translation, a common emphasis is placed on the importance of achieving "equivalence" between the source and target languages.
English is recognized as a global language, widely spoken across nearly every country The rapid advancement of science and technology, particularly with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, underscores the importance of translation in fostering global connections Translation plays a crucial role in various sectors, including economics, politics, education, and tourism, as it enables the conversion of specialized materials from one language to another In an era of increased international integration, translation serves to bridge multicultural gaps and enhance global communication.
Effective communication between countries relies heavily on translation, enabling the exchange of information and technology Without the ability to understand different languages, international relations would be severely hindered Thankfully, translation allows us to connect with others, learning essential phrases like greetings and farewells in various languages.
Understanding different cultural values requires effective communication, which is impossible without translation As the most spoken language globally, English plays a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps, with over 1.1 billion speakers, including 379 million native speakers Translation facilitates the exchange of information and fosters cultural understanding, essential in our interconnected world In Vietnam, English has emerged as a vital second language, integral to economic development and international integration, highlighting the importance of translation in fostering global communication and cultural appreciation.
Word-for-word translation involves converting text from one language to another while maintaining the original word order and translating each word individually, often without conveying the intended meaning This method is commonly used in scientific, technical, technological, and legal texts, where accuracy in terminology is crucial In translation studies, literal translation is recognized for its specific applications in these fields.
Literal translation involves closely adhering to the original text's structure, converting grammatical forms from the source language to their nearest equivalents in the target language while translating words individually This method serves as a pre-translation process, highlighting potential issues that need to be addressed.
An accurate translation aims to convey the precise contextual meaning of the original text while adhering to the grammatical rules of the target language This approach seeks to remain fully faithful to the intentions and stylistic choices of the original author.
Free translation is a highly adaptable approach primarily applied in translating plays and poetry This method focuses on preserving the essential themes, characters, and plots while transforming the source language's cultural elements into those of the target language, resulting in a rewritten text that resonates with the new audience.
Free translation often fails to preserve the original form and meaning, resulting in a longer expression that diverges from the source material This approach focuses more on conveying content rather than providing an accurate translation.
Idiomatic translation reproduces the “message” of the original but it tends to distort nuances of meaning This method usually uses the natural phrases and idioms of the language.
Grammar
Grammar encompasses the structural rules that govern a language, detailing how words combine, their order, and their transformations based on relationships with other words It is defined as the set of structural constraints that apply to the propositional, phrase, and word components used by speakers or writers The study of grammar includes various linguistic fields such as phonetics, morphology, and syntax, and is often enhanced by the exploration of semantics and pragmatics.
The term "grammar" encompasses the linguistic behavior of groups rather than just individuals, highlighting its collective nature For instance, "English grammar" can refer to the overall grammar used by all English speakers, incorporating various dialects and variations On a more specific level, it may denote the common grammatical features shared by the majority of English speakers.
“grammatical” meaning can describe conventions of only a relatively well-defined form of English (such as standard English for a region).
According to Harmer, there are several definitions of grammar Firstly,
Grammar encompasses the study of possible forms and structures within a language, serving as a framework for understanding the rules that dictate sentence formation It is conventionally regarded as an examination of both syntax and morphology, focusing on how sentences are constructed.
According to Thornbury (1999), grammar involves studying the possible forms and structures within a language Traditionally, the focus of grammar has been primarily on analyzing sentence-level construction Therefore, grammar serves as a framework for describing the rules that dictate how sentences are formed in any given language.
According to Williams (2012), grammar encompasses various meanings, and when educators and administrators become frustrated with errors in students' writing, they frequently advocate for a return to the fundamentals, which they equate with grammar.
2.2.2 Importance of grammar in translation
A language is a natural form of communication Children quickly learn to communicate in their native language and soon master the main expression rules without being taught.
Effective communication hinges on a solid understanding of grammar and syntax Language can be likened to a highway, where words are vehicles and grammar serves as the critical signage that guides them Without proper signs, chaos would ensue on the road Thus, mastering fundamental grammar rules is essential for all translators.
In Vietnamese-English translation, mastering English grammar is crucial as it enables the construction of coherent sentences and paragraphs, ultimately leading to accurate translations Without a solid understanding of grammar, achieving a flawless translation becomes impossible.
Errors
According to Wikipedia, an error is an inaccurate or incorrect practice In some uses, an error is the same as a mistake.
In statistics, “error” refers to the difference between the calculated value and the exact value An error can lead to failure or deviation from expected performance or behavior.
According to Williams and James (2012), grammar encompasses various meanings When teachers and administrators become frustrated with errors in students' writing, they frequently advocate for a return to the basics, which they interpret as grammar.
Errors are an essential part of the language learning process, as highlighted by Selinker (1992), who views them as indispensable tools for learners Brown (1987) further emphasizes that errors reflect the learner's unique idiosyncrasies and their developing interlanguage competence, showcasing deviations from native speaker grammar James (1998) describes errors as a regular failure of competence, indicating a consistent violation of learned rules Similarly, Dulay and Burt (1982) characterize errors as the flawed aspects of a learner's speech and writing, reinforcing the notion that errors are a natural outcome of acquiring a foreign language.
Corder (1967) distinguished between mistakes and errors in language learning, defining errors as indicators of a learner's interlanguage system, while mistakes are random performance slips He emphasized that analyzing errors has significant implications: it helps teachers assess learner progress, provides researchers with insights into language acquisition strategies, and serves as a valuable learning tool for students Ultimately, errors reflect the limitations of current teaching methods.
In general, errors are deviations from standard language norms in grammar,syntax, pronunciation and punctuation in linguistic learning.
Translation errors refer to discrepancies between the source and target texts, encompassing inconsistencies in meaning and deviations from the target language standards As noted by evaluators, these errors can vary in significance; what may be considered a mistake in one context could be an acceptable translation in another Understanding these nuances is essential for effective translation.
Translation errors arise when a translator does not achieve equivalence, completion, and exactness, as defined by Aveiling (2002) This definition highlights the complexity of equivalence, which includes various categories of errors Aveiling categorizes these errors into two types: "dumb mistakes" and others.
Mossop (1987: 28) emphasizes that translation errors occur when a translation does not align with the prevailing translation concepts of the target culture Consequently, such errors are rooted in cultural norms and formal equivalence.
According to Schiaffino (2005: 31), translation errors can be categorized into three main types: first, errors of meaning, which arise when the translation conveys a different meaning than the original source language; second, errors of form, which encompass grammatical, spelling, and other types of mistakes that do not alter the original meaning; and finally, errors of compliance, which relate to adherence to translation standards and guidelines.
Newmark (1989) classifies translation errors into two main categories: referential errors and linguistic errors Referential errors pertain to factual inaccuracies related to the real world and propositions, rather than specific words These errors often arise from the translator's lack of competence in areas such as tense usage, articles, prepositions, word choice, spelling, collocations, and subject-verb agreement On the other hand, linguistic errors involve logical inconsistencies Evaluating translation quality, particularly among undergraduate students in the early stages of their training, is crucial, as their lack of competence is understandable.
Grammatical errors, as defined by ThoughtCo, refer to instances of incorrect, unconventional, or debatable language use in prescriptive grammar These errors can include issues like misplaced modifiers or improper verb tenses and are also known as usage errors.
Many individuals perceive usage failures mainly as bugs or sources of confusion, overlooking their impact on effective communication An advertisement for a highly recommended book on language usage highlights that "mistakes in English can confuse you, hinder your social and professional advancement, and obscure your true intelligence."
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The results from questionnaire survey
In a study examining the grammatical errors made by final-year English majors at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English, a questionnaire consisting of 11 questions was developed and distributed to 80 students from the English faculty Conducted over a span of three days, the survey produced remarkable findings.
The importance of translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English is widely recognized among students, with 84.5% either agreeing or strongly agreeing on its significance This highlights the belief that such translations are crucial for enhancing Vietnam's economic ties with developed countries, as the export industry significantly impacts economic growth, employment, and the balance of payments By facilitating better communication and understanding, translating these documents can play a vital role in advancing Vietnam's economic development on the global stage.
Chart 3.1 Translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English is important
Translating Vietnamese documents into English within the export industry offers numerous benefits, including enhanced knowledge, expanded vocabulary, flexible application of grammar structures, improved writing and speaking skills, and better career orientation Each student provided a unique perspective on these advantages, as illustrated in Chart 3.2.
Chart 3.2 The benefits of translating Vietnamese documents in the export industry into English
Chart 3.2 reveals the benefits of translating Vietnamese documents in the export industry into English 61.3% of participants choose “Widen knowledge”. Most students choose this reason because the export industry is an important industry in the economy, but to understand this industry, you need to learn and learn a lot When translating Vietnamese documents of this industry into English, we can learn a lot of new knowledge of this industry “Broaden vocabulary” is chosen by 44 students (accounting for 55% of the total) The export industry has a lot of specialized words, only when we approach this industry, we know them When translating documents about this industry, students will encounter a lot of new specialized terminology It will help students to diversify their own vocabulary 35 students choose “Apply grammar structures flexibly” (accounting for 43.8% of the total) and 27 students (accounting for 33.8% of the total) choose “Improve the writing skill” Students apply the grammar structures they learned when translating jobs” is chosen by 18 students (accounting for 22.5% of the total) and 17 students choose “Improve the speaking skills” (21.3%) Access to import and export through translation will help guide students in their future careers Finally, only 17 students choose “Improve the speaking skill” (21.3%) It can be said that the most significant benefit when translating the export documents is to expand knowledge and vocabulary.
Chart 3.3 Frequency of translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into
Chart 3.3 shows the frequency of translating Vietnamese documents of the export industry into English According to the chart, most final-year students of the English faculty have translated through the export topic Twenty-six students (37.1%) chose “sometimes”, 35.7% chose “often”, “seldom” made up 20% and only five ones chose “never” Our department is an English department, and the major is business English, so this result is no surprise The export industry is one of the most important industries in trade Therefore, when students learn business English, they will come across this topic quite often.
When translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English, students frequently make various grammatical errors, including mistakes with verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, articles, tenses, and subject-verb agreement Chart 3.4 illustrates the most common grammatical errors encountered by students.
Chart 3.4 Grammatical difficulties students often encounter when translating
Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
Verb errors were the most common mistakes among students, with 38 participants (47.5%) making these errors, particularly when translating multi-clause sentences Subject-verb agreement errors followed closely, representing 40% of the total mistakes, often arising during Vietnamese to English translations Students frequently fail to conjugate verbs for singular subjects or omit subjects entirely, a practice acceptable in Vietnamese but grammatically incorrect in English Noun and tense errors accounted for 32 instances, also at 40%, with plural noun mistakes being predominant and students confusing tenses Adverb errors comprised 22.5% of the mistakes, while preposition errors were noted by 17 participants, making up 21.3% Additionally, 15 individuals reported errors in adjectives and articles, which accounted for 18.8%.
Specific grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese documents of the
Chart 3.5 Specific grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese documents of the export industry into English
According to chart 3.5, students struggle the most with tense usage, accounting for 45% of errors, primarily due to a lack of understanding of English tenses, which differ significantly from Vietnamese This confusion often arises during translation, leading to frequent mistakes Additionally, misuse of verbs is a common error, with 34 participants (37.1%) reporting this issue When translating complex sentences from Vietnamese to English, students tend to follow the structure of the original language, resulting in verb misuse To improve clarity, it is advisable for students to break down sentences with multiple clauses into simpler, more manageable sentences.
A significant 36.3% of students, totaling 80 individuals, struggle with mismatching subjects and verbs, primarily due to a failure to correctly conjugate verbs according to their subjects This often results in singular subjects being paired with incorrectly conjugated verbs Additionally, 30% of students, or 24 individuals, made errors related to the addition of verbs.
This error often occurs in sentences with multiple clauses, particularly in Vietnamese, where numerous verbs share equivalent meanings When translating into English, students must eliminate redundant verbs to avoid repetition Among the 19 participants, 23.8% identified "addition of plural nouns" as a common mistake, followed closely by "inappropriate choice of adverbs" at 22.5% Other notable errors included "inappropriate choice of prepositions," "omission of plural nouns," and "difficulties in distinguishing tenses," each accounting for 18.8%, as illustrated in chart 3.5.
Question 7: In your opinion, what factors cause your grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English?
Poor knowledge of English grammar 35%
The influence of using Vietnamese grammar 46.25%
Export industry is a difficult topic 12.5%
Table 1 Causes of students’ grammatical errors
Various factors contribute to the errors noted, including students' inadequate grammar skills, the influence of the Vietnamese language, a lack of motivation to enhance their knowledge, and the inherent challenges of translating within the export industry from Vietnamese to English Table 1 illustrates these points.
The primary cause of grammatical errors among students is the influence of Vietnamese grammar, with 37 students (46.25%) identifying it as a significant factor When translating from Vietnamese to English, many students tend to use a word-for-word approach, which often distorts meaning and leads to grammatical mistakes Unlike Vietnamese, English requires complete sentences with subjects and predicates, making direct translations problematic Additionally, a lack of foundational English grammar knowledge contributes to errors, as noted by 35% of students To mitigate these issues, it is essential for students in the English faculty to review and strengthen their grammar skills early in their university education, particularly when translating complex topics like the export industry Interestingly, only 5 students attribute their grammatical errors to laziness.
Chart 3.7 Time spent for self-studying Vietnamese-English translation per week
Chart 3.7 reveals that insufficient practice time for translating Vietnamese into English significantly contributes to grammatical errors among students A survey of 80 final-year English majors at Thuongmai University indicated that 45% of students, or 36 individuals, dedicate less than 2 hours per week to translation practice, which is a concerning statistic Many students prioritize part-time jobs or social media over self-study, with only 27 students engaging in 2-3 hours of translation practice weekly A mere 11.3% (9 students) study for 3-4 hours, and only 8 students exceed 4 hours of practice This trend highlights a troubling reality for students today; to enhance their grammatical skills, they must allocate more time to self-study and prioritize learning over leisure activities.
Chart 3.8 The method students use when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
Chart 3.8 reveals the translation methods that students usually use when translating Vietnamese documents of the export industry into English In addition to the above reasons, using incorrect translation methods is also one of the reasons causing grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese - English Looking at the chart, word-for-word translation is the method most students choose There are 33 students out of 80 who chose this method, accounting for 41.25% Translators often use this method as the first step in translating The translator uses this method to define the root meaning class of the source language Translated by this method, words appear singly, without any connection Word-for-word translation makes the sentence not suitable, not polished, sometimes even misleading the meaning of source language.
The second most common method employed by students is literal translation, utilized by 28.75% of learners While this approach is an improvement over word-for-word translation, it remains suboptimal Literal translation is primarily beneficial for initial comprehension, especially for sentences with figurative meanings However, relying solely on this method can lead to misinterpretations of the original language's intent.
Results of the students’ translation
I have analyzed several translations from Vietnamese to English by business school seniors, focusing on their common mistakes One notable example is a student's translation regarding the first batch of Vietnamese coffee exports to Europe The sentence stated, “According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, on September 16th, the first batch of Vietnamese coffee was exported to some European countries under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).” This translation contained a misspelling of "European" and omitted the necessary article, highlighting the importance of accuracy in translation.
On September 16th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the export of the first batch of Vietnamese coffee to several European countries under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
The European Union has committed to protecting 39 geographical indications from Vietnam under the EVFTA, including those for coffee This represents a significant competitive advantage for the Vietnamese coffee sector in the European market.
The European Union has committed to protecting 39 geographical indications from Vietnam under the EVFTA, including those related to coffee This commitment provides a significant competitive advantage for the Vietnamese coffee sector in the EU market.
These mistakes seem that a final-year student will not make But most of the students are quite subjective and make the above basic mistakes.
Results of the interview
In an interview with English faculty members at Thuongmai University, I explored the grammatical errors made by final-year English majors when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English The insights gathered from the interview were categorized into three key sections.
Common grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
Grammar errors are among the most common mistakes made by students, with structural errors being the most frequently noted by teachers A prevalent issue arises when students translate sentences from Vietnamese, which often lack a subject or predicate, leading to grammatical inaccuracies in English Additionally, students frequently struggle with subject-verb agreement, particularly when singular subjects are not paired with the correct verb conjugations Despite having learned conjugations, many still make this mistake during translation Tense errors also pose a significant challenge, as Vietnamese lacks tense distinctions, while English employs various tenses with specific conjugations Consequently, students often fail to conjugate verbs correctly or misuse verb tenses when translating from Vietnamese to English.
Word type errors are common among Vietnamese learners of English due to the differences in how word forms are used in both languages In Vietnamese, word types typically remain unchanged, with additions like "cái" or "con," whereas English has distinct forms for nouns, verbs, and adjectives For instance, "product" is a noun, "produce" is the verb, and "productive" is the adjective, leading to confusion among students who often misuse these forms Additionally, the pluralization of nouns presents challenges; while Vietnamese simply adds "các" or variations for pluralization, English requires specific changes, such as transforming "mouse" to "mice." As a result, students frequently overlook these suffixes when translating into English.
One common error in language translation is the misunderstanding of passive sentences, particularly among students who mistakenly equate Vietnamese sentences containing "bị" or "được" with English passive constructions This confusion can distort the original meaning during translation Additionally, students often struggle with prepositions, as English has specific fixed phrases that require precise preposition usage A lack of familiarity with these phrases can result in incorrect preposition choices, further complicating the translation process.
The primary cause of grammatical errors in Vietnamese-English translation among students is the influence of the Vietnamese language, as the two languages possess distinct grammatical structures When students attempt to translate directly, it often leads to common grammatical mistakes Additionally, many students lack a solid foundation in grammar due to their focus on multiple-choice exams in high school, which diminishes their concern for grammatical accuracy Consequently, by the time they reach university and begin studying translation, their grammar skills remain weak Furthermore, the limited practice time—41.4% of students report practicing translation for less than two hours a week—prevents them from addressing and correcting these ingrained errors.
Some advice for students to avoid grammatical errors
Teachers emphasize the importance of strengthening grammar foundations to help students avoid common grammatical errors Consistent practice is essential, as it enables students to overcome ingrained habits In the early stages of translation learning, students should focus on understanding the differences between languages to ensure more accurate translations While the word-for-word translation method can serve as an initial step to grasp basic meanings, relying on it for translating Vietnamese documents into English can lead to misinterpretations and grammatical mistakes.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Recommendations and suggestions for teachers and university leaders
The research indicates that grammatical errors in Vietnamese-English translation stem not only from students' subjective mistakes but also from the teaching methods employed by instructors.
According to the research above, grammatical error is one of the most common mistakes students make This grammatical error needs to be changed quickly as it is very serious.
Teachers should dedicate more time to practicing translation in class, as the current focus on speaking and writing skills often leaves students struggling with grammar Many students come from a high school background where they primarily practiced English through multiple-choice tests, leading to a lack of emphasis on grammar Additionally, the limited class time makes it challenging for teachers to thoroughly teach lessons or address grammatical errors for the entire class.
Teachers can enhance the learning experience by dividing the class into small groups or utilizing forums and social networks, fostering a collaborative environment where students learn from one another In these groups, teachers assign collaborative exercises that promote teamwork and reinforce grammar knowledge This approach encourages students to share their understanding of grammar, with the teacher providing corrections as needed Ultimately, students practice autonomy in their learning, actively engaging with each other before seeking the teacher's guidance for any remaining questions.
To enhance students' grammar skills, teachers should incorporate more grammar exercises during the early years of university, as this is a crucial time for consolidating their foundational knowledge before they delve into translation A diverse range of grammar exercises should be provided for both in-class and at-home practice, with teachers actively correcting students' mistakes to facilitate learning Lessons should include essential grammar theories, focusing on key elements such as verbs, nouns, prepositions, subject-verb agreement, and tenses, with a particular emphasis on helping students clearly distinguish between different tenses to avoid confusion during translation Additionally, implementing a system of rewards for high achievers and consequences for those who underperform can further motivate students to engage with their grammar studies.
To enhance the quality of translation education, it is essential for schools to reduce class sizes With large numbers of students in each class, teachers face challenges in facilitating meaningful discussions and providing personalized attention Ideally, each translation class should consist of no more than 25 students to foster a more effective learning environment.
30 students This will create good conditions for students and teachers to exchange knowledge and solve problems students encounter when doing a Vietnamese - English translation.
Besides, the school should also increase translation periods within a week. Only two periods of translation per week is not enough for students to fully understand the lesson.
Regular in-depth investigations into students' grammatical errors are essential By participating in surveys, students gain valuable insights into their common grammar mistakes, enabling them to learn and ultimately avoid these errors in the future.
Recommendations and suggestions for the student
To effectively learn English grammar, it's essential to understand the basic components of the language, including nouns, adjectives, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and articles Mastering these parts of speech is crucial for constructing correct sentences Additionally, English learners must develop the habit of organizing words in the proper order, as English sentence structure differs from that of Vietnamese, where adjectives typically follow nouns To enhance their grammar skills, students should utilize reference books filled with grammar exercises tailored to various proficiency levels, allowing for self-paced practice and improvement.
Enhance your English grammar skills with essential resources such as "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy, "The Good Grammar Book" from Oxford, and "Literature English Language Practice" by Tran Van Dien These comprehensive guides offer 136 grammar topics and practical exercises designed to help students significantly improve their grammar proficiency.
In today's digital age, the Internet serves as a valuable resource for learning English grammar, offering a wealth of easily accessible information Students can quickly find answers to their grammar questions and identify common errors by simply typing their queries online Numerous websites are dedicated to providing accurate grammar knowledge along with helpful exercises to reinforce learning.
Students can enhance their grammar skills and expand their vocabulary by reading various articles and magazines, which expose them to new sentence structures and word orders, as well as translations from Vietnamese to English Taking notes is another effective method; by writing down common designs and new structures in a dedicated notebook, students can better remember these concepts This practice not only aids retention but also makes it easier to review later Additionally, keeping a record of their mistakes in the notebook helps students avoid repeating them in the future.
To enhance English grammar skills, students should review grammatical errors pointed out by teachers, understanding the reasons behind them for long-term retention Regular practice of grammar exercises is essential, alongside following a style and grammar guidebook, which provides insights into spelling, syntax, and style This approach not only reinforces grammar fundamentals but also helps students discover their preferred language styles Consistent practice is key; the more students engage with the material, the more proficient they will become in English grammar.
Limitations and suggestions for further research
Despite significant time and effort invested in the research, limitations such as time constraints, resource shortages, and the researcher's capabilities have led to several shortcomings Notably, the study's sample size was small, consisting of only 80 students from the English Faculty at Thuongmai University, which may hinder the generalizability of the findings to the broader English Faculty population.
Due to the constraints imposed by Covid-19, the researcher conducted the questionnaire and gathered responses online, which limited the scope of the results The survey was completed within a week to achieve the target of 80 participants.
In addition, the proposals in this study were selected from different reliable sources, so there are various limitations.
This study focuses on the common grammatical errors made by 80 English major students at TMU when translating Vietnamese import-export documents into English To enhance the depth of future research, the author recommends expanding the survey to include a wider range of translations from various contexts, which would yield more comprehensive and precise data.
Effective translation skills are essential for students, as they can lead to better job opportunities in the future Researchers should explore various translation challenges, including grammatical errors and vocabulary mistakes in specialized documents, to enhance these skills further.
Translation is crucial for global integration, enabling countries to understand each other's perspectives and foster development In this context, Vietnamese-English translation is vital for strengthening Vietnam's international relationships This study aims to assist students, the future of the nation, by identifying common grammatical errors made by final-year English majors at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English Additionally, the research seeks to explore the factors contributing to these errors and develop strategies for improvement The researcher aspires for this study to enhance the quality of translation training in universities and serve as a valuable resource for those interested in improving their translation skills Despite some limitations, including the researcher's limited knowledge and time constraints, it is hoped that the findings will provide valuable insights for readers and contribute to advancements in Vietnamese translation practices.
- English translation skills and the quality of their skills.
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1 https://123doc.net/document/3043654-an-english-grammar-by-william- malone-baskervill.htm
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php? searchinition+of+error&title=Special%3ASearch&go=Go&ns0=1
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My name is Mai, and I am a senior student at Thuongmai University I am currently working on my graduation thesis, which focuses on identifying the grammatical errors made by final-year English majors at Thuongmai University when translating Vietnamese export industry documents into English.
I hope you can take a moment to help me with the survey below.
I The students' attitude towards translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English.
1 It is said that translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English is important Do you agree?
2 In your opinion, translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English can help you (you can choose more than one answer)
□ Widen knowledge □ Improve your writing skill
□ Broaden vocabulary □ Improve your speaking skill
□ Apply grammar structures flexibly □ Orient your future jobs
II Grammatical errors in translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
3 Do you often translate Vietnamese documents of export industry into English?
4 It is said that export industry is a difficult topic to translate Do you agree?
5 Which grammatical difficulties do you often encounter when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English? (you can choose more than one answer)
□ Adverb errors □ Errors of tense
□ Adjective errors □ Subject-verb agreement
6 What grammatical mistakes do you often make when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English?
□ Omission of verbs □ Omission of prepositions
□ Addition of verbs □ Addition of prepositions
□ Misuse of verbs □ Inappropriate choice of prepositions
□ Addition plural nouns □ Inappropriate choice of adverbs
□ Omission plural nouns □ Misplacement of adverbs
□ Misplacement of adjectives □ Inappropriate choice of relative pronouns
□ Mismatch between subjects and verbs □ Omission of relative pronouns
□ Difficulties in using the tenses □ Omission of articles
□ Difficulties in distinguishing the tenses
7 In your opinion, what factors cause your grammatical errors when translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English?
□ Poor knowledge of English grammar
□ The influence of using Vietnamese grammar
□ Export industry is a difficult topic
III The students' practice to avoid grammatical errors in translating Vietnamese documents of export industry into English
8 How much time do you spend translating Vietnamese-English documents per week?
9 What method do you use when translating Vietnamese documents of export indus try into English?
□ Word for word translation □ Adaptation
10 What is the way to improve your grammar?
□Taking notes of grammar structures
□ Doing grammar exercises from grammar books or the Internet.
□ Reviewing teachers’ feedback to learn grammar
□ Reading and practicing translating from newspapers, magazines, articles about export industry from Vietnamese to English
11 What is your grade on the translation subject?