INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 25
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSLATION AND STRATEGIES FOR
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Boymurodova Feruza Ziyot kizi
MA International Education English Teacher, Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Boymurodovaferuza555@gmail.com
Berdiqobilova Dinora Berdiyor kizi
Student, English Philology Faculty, Uzbekistan State World Languages University
dinoraberdiqobilova8@gmail.com
Abstract:
Learning a foreign language can definitely become a challenge for learners in terms of
unlikely grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, not least for undergraduates who are still in an
acquisition process. Various strategies and factors have been found to encourage students to get
motivated. The purpose this paper to focuse on what students’ beliefs are about the role of
translation in learning a foreign language and how many of them consider and use it as a crucial
tool while learning a language. Significantly, the key research methods, especially involve an
online questionnaire on which the percentages of students who answered are represented in a
specific university by both qualitative and quantitative research. One of the most fundamental
aspects of a learning language is undoubtedly a translation by which learners not only
comprehend the meaning of what they are acquiring in the second language, but also they can
understand key inclusions of a particular language, such as speaking, listening, reading, and
writing. Overall, survey carried out online, involving 55 participants, showed that majority of
respondents consider translation as one of the most significant factors in learning a foreign
language, meanwhile, most of them mention that they use dictionaries in order to translate.
Keywords:
second language, pronunciation, key inclusions, translation strategies
INTRODUCTION
Clearly, acquiring a foreign language includes plenty of factors and tactics, and one of the most
pivotal them is without a doubt a translation process in which the comprehension of a certain
source, more importantly an accuracy of the language, lies. It is said that translation is a process
in which the meaning of the context is facilitated by turning one language into another, or vice
versa in Numan M.Al-Musawi's (2014) research work [1]. It is true that translation stands at the
forefront of learning a second language since only after comprehending what is presented in the
context regardless of which aspect of the language such as grammar rules, structure, vocabulary
and etc. , the importance of the language could be understood. For instance, whoever is inclined
to learn a new language tends to start by a memorization of vocabulary even which is learned by
heart with the translation of a native language to obtain the meaning of the word. Notably, it can
be straightforward to store foreign words in one's mind with the translation and definition of the
word rather than just memorising. Speaking of techniques and strategies to utilize, there are a
number of translation strategies and each learner use them in terms of their preferences and
abilities to catch. According to Sanjun San (2013), in "Strategies of Translation": The
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 26
Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, majority of researchers consider that there are two
prototype strategies of translation which are literal translation and free translation. The first
stresses word level while the latter goes beyond the word level and emphasizes the creation of a
target text sounding natural in a target language [2]. By saying that it means various word levels
are available in every language, let’s take English as an example in which there are six word
levels, including A1, A2, B1, B1, C1, C2. The comprehension of a word varies in terms of
sophistication, number of syllabus and pronunciation as levels rise. Rather than trying to use
complicated and high-level words, in free translation translator is more likely to utilize low-level
and the ones coming to their mind at first. In spite of an inevitable role of vocabulary
memorization in learning these levels step by step, by means of translation the meaning of
context could be obtained, making easier to reminisce words with definition or examples of
words. Thus, the importance of translation is prevalent in learning foreign languages, as well as
its strategies. Fei YE (2023) states that translation assists students applying their language
knowledge to real-contexts. In the process of translation, students need to accurately opt for
appropriate words and phrases, perform language conversion and expression, hence cultivating
their language application skills in practical communication and writing. Through translation
process, students can learn how to express their thoughts and ideas via language, honing their
language expression skills and accuracy [3].
This research paper explores the significance of translation in undergraduates in tertiary
education, delving into reasons why it is crucial, the methods through which the suitable
translation results could be attained. By using research methods, especially quantitative and
qualitative, students’ opinions about the role of translation and what kind of strategies and
methods they use for translation were collected.
Literature review:
The significance of translation
While discussing translation matters and strategies, it is essential to mention others’ opinions
about it and what they considered about role these factors. When spoken about translation most
individuals believe that it means an original text in a particular language and its meaning in a
native language which converted by a means of translators. Similarly, Boris Buden (2006) also
thinks that there are always two elements of a translating process, an original text in one
language and its secondary production in some other language. It is therefore its relation to the
original, which decisively determines every translation [4]. Additionally, translation also matters
in cultural realms, for example, prominent manuscripts, sagas, poems, novels and to name but
few, all of which become well-known after being transferred from one language into another one.
Let's take Agatha Christie's renowned detective novels, or Arthur Conan Doyle's, drawing
excessively huge attention from not only in the European countries, but also all over the world.
No one would be interested in or enjoy these detective literatures unless they are not available
translated in many languages. Hence, Gelavizh Abbasi (2012) says that translation is not only
restricted to fundamental aspects and features of culture, but also modern science and foreign
histories are transferred by. Thus, consideration like translator should be able to eradicate and
demolish boundaries is not always correct. The borders are to be crossed by it in order to
communicate with cultures [5].
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ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
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page 27
Translation methods
As for strategies and methods, Jerome said that two things are necessary for a good translation -
an adequate understanding of the original language (source language) and an adequate command
of the language into which one is translating (receptor language) [5]. However, for a good
translation only understanding these two factors may not be enough, if other factors such as
idioms, jargons and phrases are taken into consideration. Unless, translator is not aware of these
necessary components of a language, the meaning of the context may not be comprehensive or
understandable, particularly for learners studying in lower steps of the language.
According to Newmark (1988b: 45-47p), here are some translation methods:
• Word-for-word translation: in which the SL word order is preserved and the words translated
singly by their most common meanings, out of context.
• Literal translation: in which the SL grammatical constructions are converted to their nearest TL
equivalents, but the lexical words are again translated singly, out of context.
• Faithful translation: it attempts to produce the precise contextual meaning of the original within
the constraints of the TL grammatical structures.
• Semantic translation: which differs from 'faithful translation' only in as far as it must take more
account of the aesthetic value of the SL text.
• Adaptation: which is the freest form of translation, and is used mainly for plays (comedies) and
poetry; the themes, characters, plots are usually preserved, the SL culture is converted to the TL
culture and the text is rewritten.
• Free translation: it produces the TL text without the style, form, or content of the original.
Idiomatic translation: it reproduces the 'message' of the original but tends to distort nuances of
meaning by preferring colloquialisms and idioms where these do not exist in the original.
• Communicative translation: it attempts to render the exact contextual meaning of the original in
such a way that both content and language are readily acceptable and comprehensible to the
readership [6].
These translation methods are essential depending on the realms they are utilized. For example,
while the first one is largely used by beginners, the next also called direct translation is used in
academic and formal text. It is also worth noting that in this type of translation idioms, slangs
and such expressions cannot be used, if done so this may trigger mistranslation since words are
translated directly. Faithful translation concerns with the meaning of the text which means one
can acquire general meaning of the context, albeit a lack of vocabulary or grammar, whereas in
semantic translation aesthetic value, namely beautiful sounding plays crucial role. This method is
especially used in literary works with expressive texts, including idioms and other phrases,
concerning with meaning rather than strict structure. As for adaptation method, it is used when
its equivalent cannot be found target language. It is particularly encountered in films, marketing
and dubbing. Free translation has nothing to do with original text regardless of grammar
structure, vocabulary, or punctuation, but the meaning of the text. Idiomatic translation focuses
on natural sounding of the context, using colloquial language to become natural in the target
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 28
language, in speaking to understand the meaning in idiomatic way. Finally, last one prioritizes
reader’s understanding meaning and response to acceptance, ensuring that reader comprehends
meaning of the text effectively and naturally. Notably, all methods should be utilized in their
own spheres, so no misunderstanding would occur between learners of each method, thus, being
aware of what really these methods are, knowing exactly where each one can be used helps
learners distinguish them from another. Take word-for-word and faithful translation methods as
an example which cannot be compared to each other, otherwise reader could be confused, even
cannot understand true meaning of the text.
Methodology
The aim of this research work was to learn the significance of translation in academic life and
concern what kind of translation methods and procedures are utilized the most by learners in
translation process. Focusing on such objectives, this paper put relevant questions for
undergraduate students in a particular university most of whom were over 18, including major,
frequency of their use of translation strategies, the importance of translation rating 1 to 5, cases
in which they use translation procedures the most, and strategies they for translation. Overall, 55
students took part in this survey and the results presented below. It became obvious from the
survey that majority of students major in English Philology faculty and many of whom translate
texts for academic purposes on a daily basis. It is also worth noting that more than half of the
respondents translate between English most frequently and the rest constituted other languages,
while almost 30% of them marked translation with 5 as important. Approximately 40% of
participants marked that they translated reading academic texts, whereas the percentage of
participants using dictionaries, particularly WISDOM, made up 60%. General results mean that
the amount of respondents considering translation is crucial for learning language is significantly
high and the strategies they are using various, albeit the dominance of dictionaries.
Findings and Discussion
The findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the significance of Translation and its
strategies for undergraduate students. Both quantitative and qualitative data collected
consistently emphasize the prevalent use of translation in academic life, especially in academic
texts, lectures given in foreign language, communication, or in writing assignments. The
quantitative analysis revealed that undergraduate students perceive translation as highly valuable
in learning a foreign language. The qualitative findings further enriched our understanding of
translation. Other researchers’ works also identified the significance of translation from different
angles and highlighted some method types that are beneficial for obtaining languages depending
on fields they are used, such as in literature, communication, or other different areas. This
document analysis displayed that while many researchers have made efforts to hone translation
procedures to make easier for students to learn foreign languages effectively, space for
improvement into this field has yet to be filled. There is still a need for more effective translation
and language learning techniques and to stress inevitable factors of a language, not only focus on
learning grammar rules and vocabulary memorization, but also the need to improve
comprehension, the meaning of the context should equally be prioritized. The advent of novel
kinds of dictionaries, not only providing translation of a certain word or text, but also
challenging learners by making them solve puzzles related this content, should be discovered, by
doing that critical, logical thinking and problem-solving skills could be facilitated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 29
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underlines the critical role of translation and its techniques in preparing
undergraduate students for learning foreign languages. By comprehending function of translation
and its procedures in undergraduate curricula, higher education institutions can provide students
with necessary skills and tactics to be proficient in foreign languages who can contribute to teach
future learners by what they have got related to language learning experience. However, it is
vital to have proper planning beforehand, by collaborating with other translators, interpreters and
other professionals. By prioritizing translation and its tactics, higher education organizations can
entitle their students to be adept at learning foreign languages.
References:
1. "Strategic Use of Translation in Learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) among
Bahrain University Students". Comprehensive Psychology. January 1, 2014
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/10.03.IT.3.4
2. ‘Strategies of translation’ in: The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, Sanjun San, 2013 p.l
http://sanjun.org/html/2013StrategiesOfTranslation.pdf
3. ‘The importance of translation teaching in college English education and its
strategies,
Fei Y. 2023, Volume5, Issue4. University of Sanya. China
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377431540
4. Boris Buden. (2006). Cultural Translation: Why it is important and where to start with it
http://blog.wbkolleg.unibe.ch/wp-content/uploads/Buden.pdf
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5. Gelavizh A. Language, Translation, and Culture.International Conference on Language,
Medias and Culture IPEDR vol.33IACSITPress, Singapore, (2012).
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/135346400249252
6. Newmark, P. (1988b). Approaches to Translation. Hertfordshire: Prentice Hall.
