The Impact of Utilizing YouTube Videos via the Blackboard Platform on Developing the Interpreting Skills of Saudi Translation Students: King Khalid University Faculty’s Perspectives

Abstract

Today, YouTube videos are considered one of the most influential means of teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). As a result, this study was carried out to investigate the perspectives of the EFL and translation staff at King Khalid University on the impact of utilizing YouTube videos via the Blackboard platform on developing the interpreting skills of Saudi students of translation. To attain the objectives of the study, the two authors adopted the descriptive survey method because of its appropriateness. For the collection of data, a 15-item questionnaire was distributed to a sample comprised of 100 EFL and translation staff members who were randomly selected from several colleges of King Khalid University during the 2023 trimester. The findings of this study showed that a majority of EFL and translation staff members had positive attitudes towards utilizing YouTube to develop certain components of interpreting competence of Saudi students of Translation. The participants also believe that YouTube videos can be used to teach both translation and interpreting, particularly in terms of improving the speaking and listening skills of Saudi students in translation and enabling them to interpret and render texts fluently, accurately, and confidently. Also, participants believe that YouTube videos can help these students divide the text into distinguishable parts or perceptible units.