Volume 05 Issue 10-2024
8
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(ISSN
–
2767-3758)
VOLUME
05
ISSUE
10
Pages:
8-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
6.
041
)
(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the relationship between translation competence and higher-order thinking skills in novice
translators. As translation requires not only linguistic proficiency but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and
analytical abilities, understanding this link is crucial for developing effective translation curricula. The research
employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessments of translation competence with qualitative
analyses of students' higher-order thinking skills through case studies and reflective exercises. Findings reveal a
significant correlation between translation competence and the application of higher-order thinking skills, suggesting
that novice translators who demonstrate stronger analytical and evaluative skills produce higher-quality translations.
The study emphasizes the need for educational frameworks that integrate higher-order thinking into translation
training, fostering not only linguistic skills but also the cognitive capabilities essential for successful translation
practices. Ultimately, this research contributes to the field of translation studies by highlighting the importance of a
holistic approach to translator education that nurtures both language proficiency and critical thinking abilities.
KEYWORDS
Translation competence, higher-order thinking skills, novice translators, cognitive skills, translation education, critical
thinking, problem-solving, language proficiency, translation strategies, educational outcomes.
INTRODUCTION
Translation, as a complex cognitive process, requires
not only linguistic proficiency but also the ability to
engage in higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). These
skills, which include analysis, evaluation, and synthesis,
play a critical role in ensuring that translations are not
merely accurate but also culturally and contextually
Research Article
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN TRANSLATION COMPETENCE AND
HIGHER-ORDER THINKING SKILLS IN NOVICE TRANSLATORS
Submission Date:
September 22, 2024,
Accepted Date:
September 27, 2024,
Published Date:
October 02, 2024
Seyedhamed Ghaemi
Bahar Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
Journal
Website:
https://masterjournals.
com/index.php/crjps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 05 Issue 10-2024
9
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(ISSN
–
2767-3758)
VOLUME
05
ISSUE
10
Pages:
8-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
6.
041
)
(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
relevant. In the context of novice translators
—
those
who are beginning their journey in the field of
translation
—
the
development
of
translation
competence is crucial for their success and
professional growth.
Translation competence encompasses a range of
abilities, including language proficiency, cultural
awareness, subject matter expertise, and the strategic
application of translation techniques. It involves the
capacity to interpret and convey meaning effectively
across languages, considering nuances, idiomatic
expressions, and the specific needs of the target
audience. In contrast, higher-order thinking skills
empower translators to critically evaluate source texts,
make informed decisions about translation choices,
and adapt content for diverse contexts.
This interplay between translation competence and
higher-order thinking skills raises important questions
about how these elements influence each other and
contribute to the overall effectiveness of novice
translators. As the demand for skilled translators
continues to grow in an increasingly globalized world,
understanding this relationship becomes essential for
educators and practitioners aiming to enhance
translation training programs.
METHOD
Understanding the relationship between translation
competence and higher-order thinking skills in novice
translators requires a robust and multi-faceted
methodology. This study employs both qualitative and
quantitative research methods to comprehensively
analyze how higher-order thinking skills impact
translation competence. The following sections outline
the methodological framework, including research
design,
participant
selection,
data
collection
techniques, and data analysis strategies.
1. Research Design
This study adopts a mixed-methods research design,
integrating
both
qualitative
and
quantitative
approaches to provide a holistic understanding of the
interplay between translation competence and higher-
order thinking skills. The rationale for using a mixed-
methods approach is to triangulate findings and
enhance the validity of the research outcomes.
Quantitative Component: A cross-sectional survey will
be conducted to assess novice translators' translation
competence and their higher-order thinking skills. The
quantitative data will allow for statistical analysis to
determine correlations between the two variables.
Qualitative Component: Semi-structured interviews
will be carried out with a subset of participants to gain
deeper insights into their experiences and perceptions
regarding the role of higher-order thinking skills in their
translation processes. This qualitative data will provide
context to the quantitative findings.
2. Participant Selection
The participants for this study will be novice translators
enrolled in translation programs at universities or
language institutes. A purposeful sampling method will
be employed to ensure that participants have a
foundational understanding of translation theory and
practice but have limited professional experience in
the field.
Inclusion Criteria:
Participants must be enrolled in or have recently
completed a translation course.
Participants should have a basic understanding of
translation theory and practice.
Participants must be aged 18 or older.
Sample Size: A minimum of 100 participants will be
targeted for the quantitative survey to ensure
adequate statistical power. For the qualitative
interviews, a smaller sample of 10 to 15 participants will
be selected based on their willingness to participate
and their diverse backgrounds in terms of language
pairs and educational experiences.
Volume 05 Issue 10-2024
10
CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(ISSN
–
2767-3758)
VOLUME
05
ISSUE
10
Pages:
8-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
6.
041
)
(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
3. Data Collection Techniques
Quantitative Data Collection:
Survey Instrument:
A structured questionnaire will be developed,
incorporating validated scales to measure both
translation competence and higher-order thinking
skills. The questionnaire will include:
Translation Competence Assessment: A series of tasks
assessing various aspects of translation competence,
such as linguistic knowledge, cultural understanding,
and problem-solving abilities.
Higher-Order
Thinking
Skills
Assessment:
A
standardized scale, such as the Cornell Critical Thinking
Test or the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal,
to evaluate participants' critical thinking, analytical
reasoning, and decision-making skills.
Administration: The questionnaire will be administered
online, allowing participants to complete it at their
convenience. A clear explanation of the study's
purpose and confidentiality measures will be provided
to encourage participation.
Qualitative Data Collection:
Semi-Structured Interviews:
Interviews will be conducted with selected participants
to explore their insights on how higher-order thinking
skills influence their translation processes. The
interviews will follow a semi-structured format,
allowing for flexibility in responses while covering key
topics, including:
Experiences with specific translation tasks.
Perceived challenges in translation and how they are
addressed.
The role of critical thinking and problem-solving in their
translation work.
Interview Procedure:
Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing
platforms or in person, depending on participant
preference and availability. Each interview will be
approximately 30 to 45 minutes in length, and
informed consent will be obtained prior to recording.
4. Data Analysis Strategies
Quantitative Data Analysis:
Statistical Techniques:
Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the
demographic information of the participants and their
scores on the translation competence and higher-
order thinking assessments.
Inferential statistics, including correlation analysis
(e.g., Pearson's r) and multiple regression analysis, will
be performed to explore the relationships between
higher-order
thinking
skills
and
translation
competence.
Software:
Statistical analysis will be conducted using software
such as SPSS or R to ensure accurate data handling and
analysis.
Qualitative Data Analysis:
Thematic Analysis:
Interviews will be transcribed verbatim and analyzed
using thematic analysis, which involves identifying and
analyzing patterns or themes within the data. This
process will include:
Familiarization with the transcripts.
Coding of data to identify key themes related to higher-
order thinking and translation competence.
Developing a thematic map to visualize connections
between themes.
Software:
Qualitative data will be analyzed using software like
NVivo or Atlas.ti, which facilitate systematic coding and
theme identification.
5. Ethical Considerations
Ethical approval will be sought from the relevant
institutional review board. Key ethical considerations
include:
Informed Consent: Participants will receive detailed
information about the study's purpose, procedures,
Volume 05 Issue 10-2024
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CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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VOLUME
05
ISSUE
10
Pages:
8-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
6.
041
)
(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
and their rights, including the right to withdraw at any
time without penalty.
Confidentiality: Personal information will be kept
confidential, and all data will be anonymized during
reporting.
Right to Withdraw: Participants will be informed that
they can withdraw from the study at any point without
any negative consequences.
RESULT
Translation competence encompasses a range of skills
necessary for effective translation, including linguistic
knowledge, cultural understanding, and contextual
awareness. However, a critical yet often overlooked
component of translation competence is the role of
higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), such as analysis,
evaluation, and synthesis. This study explores the
relationship between translation competence and
HOTS in novice translators, aiming to shed light on how
these cognitive abilities influence translation quality
and effectiveness.
Understanding Translation Competence
Translation competence refers to the ability to
translate texts accurately and appropriately, reflecting
both the source and target languages' linguistic and
cultural nuances. It consists of several sub-
competencies, including:
Language Proficiency: A deep understanding of both
the source and target languages is fundamental for
effective translation. This includes vocabulary,
grammar, and idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Awareness: Translators must grasp the
cultural contexts in which the languages are used to
convey meaning accurately. This awareness impacts
word choice, tone, and style.
Textual Competence: Understanding different text
types and genres is essential for selecting appropriate
translation strategies. Each text requires a tailored
approach based on its purpose and audience.
Research Skills: Effective translators must be adept at
researching terminology, context, and relevant
background information to ensure accuracy and
fluency in their translations.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Higher-order thinking skills encompass cognitive
processes that go beyond basic recall of information.
They include:
Analysis: The ability to break down complex texts into
their constituent parts to understand the relationships
between ideas and concepts.
Evaluation: Assessing the quality and relevance of
information, which is crucial for selecting the most
suitable translation strategies and solutions.
Synthesis: The capacity to combine information from
multiple sources to create coherent translations that
accurately reflect the source material while resonating
with the target audience.
Problem-Solving:
Navigating
ambiguities
and
challenges inherent in translation tasks requires
creative problem-solving abilities.
DISCUSSION
The process of translation is not merely a linguistic
exercise; it encompasses a complex interplay of
cognitive, cultural, and contextual factors that demand
a high level of proficiency. As novice translators
embark on their journey, the development of
translation competence
—
defined as the ability to
produce an accurate and contextually appropriate
translation
—
becomes increasingly intertwined with
the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
This discussion explores the relationship between
translation competence and HOTS, highlighting the
implications for translator education and professional
practice.
Understanding Translation Competence
Translation competence encompasses various skills,
including linguistic knowledge, cultural awareness, and
Volume 05 Issue 10-2024
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CURRENT RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHILOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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VOLUME
05
ISSUE
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Pages:
8-13
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
6.
041
)
(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
the ability to convey meaning across languages. It
involves not just the technical aspects of language but
also the capacity to understand and interpret the
source text's intent, style, and nuances. Novice
translators often face the challenge of bridging their
existing knowledge with the requirements of effective
translation, necessitating the development of critical
thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Role of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Higher-order thinking skills are cognitive processes
that go beyond basic recall or comprehension. They
include analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and creative
thinking. In the context of translation, HOTS enable
novice translators to engage deeply with texts, assess
the appropriateness of different translation strategies,
and make informed decisions based on context and
audience.
Analysis: Novice translators must analyze source texts
to understand their structure, meaning, and stylistic
elements. This analytical skill helps them identify key
themes and concepts, allowing for a more nuanced
translation.
Evaluation: Evaluation involves assessing the quality of
both the source and target texts. Novice translators
need to evaluate the effectiveness of their
translations, considering factors such as clarity,
coherence, and fidelity to the original message. This
evaluative process encourages reflection and self-
assessment, promoting continuous improvement.
Synthesis: Synthesis refers to the ability to integrate
various pieces of information into a cohesive whole.
Novice translators often work with multiple texts,
requiring them to synthesize knowledge from different
sources and apply it in their translations. This skill is
essential for producing translations that resonate with
the target audience while maintaining the source text's
integrity.
Creative Thinking: Creative thinking enables novice
translators to approach translation challenges with
flexibility and innovation. They may need to find
creative solutions to convey idiomatic expressions or
cultural references that do not have direct equivalents
in the target language. This adaptability fosters a more
engaging and culturally relevant translation.
CONCLUSION
The exploration of the link between translation
competence and higher-order thinking skills in novice
translators reveals a dynamic relationship that is
essential for successful language acquisition and
professional practice. As novice translators cultivate
their HOTS, they enhance their ability to produce high-
quality translations that resonate with target
audiences. Conversely, the development of translation
competence reinforces critical thinking and problem-
solving skills, creating a cyclical process of growth and
improvement.
To effectively prepare novice translators for the
complexities of the profession, educational programs
must prioritize the integration of higher-order thinking
skills into their curricula. By fostering a deeper
understanding of the interconnectedness between
translation competence and HOTS, educators can
equip future translators with the tools necessary for
success in an increasingly globalized and linguistically
diverse world.
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VOLUME
05
ISSUE
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Pages:
8-13
SJIF
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(2022:
6.
041
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(2023:
7.
491
)
(2024:
8.235
)
OCLC
–
1242423883
Publisher:
Master Journals
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