Investigating Difficulties Encountered by MA Translation Students in Translating Medical Terms from English into Arabic

Abstract

This study aims at investigating difficulties encountered by MA translation students in translating medical terms from English into Arabic and also finding solutions for such difficulties. The study used a quantitative approach in both, the investigation and discussing the related problems. It more over, focused on the etymology of different types of medical terms in the course of identifying such problems and finding solutions for them. For data collection the study used a test divided into three questions to explore difficulties that face MA translation students at Bahri University and what are the methods used in translating medical texts, then a questionnaire which contains 15 statements to the English translation teachers about their views on difficulties that face MA translation students. The results obtained from the data analysis showed that the translation of the medical terms posed real difficulties and challenges for the students. Hence, the results highlight the problems of translating medical terms from English into Arabic and the importance of training to work in the medical field as a translator. Also, the study concluded that literal translation, the heavy use of transliteration, explanation, the students’ lack of sufficient experience and practice in medical translation, and lack of updated English-Arabic medical dictionaries are factors that have given rise to problems in medical translation. The findings also revealed that Abbreviations, acronyms, eponyms, non-equivalence, neologism, polysemy pose serious translation problems. Moreover, the complex structures that medical terms can be explained to various semantic, lexical and grammatical interpretations. Based on the findings the study came up with a number of recommendations that MA translation students must have a special course in medical translation which is going to enlarge their knowledge and help them in their career as translators. Also Curriculums supposed to be oriented to meet the needs of future translators. Teachers of translation should be trained on teaching medical courses. The study is also ended by some suggestions for further studies.