Investigating the Linguistic Problems Encountered by Sudanese University Students in Translating English Idiomatic Expressions into Arabic

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the linguistic problems encountered by Sudanese university students in translating English idiomatic expressions into Arabic. The study adopted the descriptive analytical method. The researcher designed for his instrumentation a test on idioms for the students in addition a questionnaire for teachers. The idioms test aimed at measuring the students' abilities in dealing with the difficulties posed by idiomatic expressions. It was administered to a total sample of (150) students. The teachers questionnaire on the other hand, aimed at assessing the teachers perspectives and views on the relevance of idioms to language curricula and how to translating contexts. It was administered to a total sample of (70) teachers at the tertiary level. The above mentioned tools used satisfied the criteria of validity and reliability. The researcher raised three questions about the difficulties of English idioms. Moreover, three hypotheses were formulated corresponding to these questions. These hypotheses were all confirmed. Findings revealed low abilities of the respondents in recognizing the characteristics of idiomatic expressions. Findings also revealed that respondents did not use a particular strategy while encountering unknown idioms. The results of teacher's questionnaire showed that participants generally agreed that the difficulties related to idiomatic expressions arose from their complex characteristics. It was found that the negligence of idioms in language curricula led to their negligence in the context of translating. In light of the findings of the study the researcher recommended incorporating idioms in language curricula. He also recommended providing adequate materials for translating idioms. Allowing greater exposure to idiomatic expressions was recommended as well. Finally the researcher suggested assessing the teacher' attitude towards translating idioms.