Perception of Directionality in Translation Among Students

Abstract

The present study, in the form of a questionnaire, aims to analyse students’ subjective perception of directionality in translation. Additionally, it places a particular emphasis on the aspects which are perceived as difficult in each direction. Although for most students, L2 translation is more cognitively demanding, and they prefer to translate into L1, such preferences may change as the result of the amount of translation training. Students with a longer span in translation training frequently encounter more problems in L1 translation and may not have any preferred direction of translation. Nevertheless, the importance of practicing translating into L2 has been emphasized in many aspects, like expanding L2 competence or translation market demand; additionally, it is also a preferred language of translation for some students. Vocabulary and terminology have been described as the most problematic in both directions of translation. Other aspects which pose many problems and require some training are both L1 and L2 grammar as well as punctuation.