The Effect of Using Dictionaries in Translation Exams on the Target Text

Abstract

This research addresses the debate on whether translation students should use dictionaries in exams, a crucial topic in translation studies. It’s controversial because it affects translation quality; some believe dictionaries improve accuracy, while others argue they disrupt coherence. The central question is how dictionary use impacts translation quality for undergraduates. The study involved forty-eight Saudi female undergraduates translating English to Arabic. Half used dictionaries, and half didn’t. Results from error analysis revealed that dictionary users had fewer errors in meaning transfer and mechanics, highlighting their potential to improve accuracy. This research proposes a hybrid solution: allowing dictionaries in the first half of exams and banning them in the second. This approach strikes a balance between accuracy and coherence concerns. It’s a practical recommendation for educators and examiners, potentially enhancing translation education and practice.