Translation Errors and Error Avoidance: Insights from Students’ Outputs

Abstract

In Thailand, translation subjects are included as core courses and/or elective courses in some curricula such as the Bachelor of Arts in English. Evidence shows, however, that common translation errors continue to affect the quality of translation outputs among Thai students (e.g. Chanasakulniyom, 2010; Pojprasat, 2007; Pym, 1992; Zainudin & Awal, 2012). Thus, this research has a two-fold objective. On the one hand, informed by the framework of Wongranu (2017), the current research investigates the common translation errors of English major students. On the other hand, applying Suksaeresup and Thep-Ackrapong’s (2009) framework on explanatory account for errors, this research enterprise provides insights on how to avoid common errors in translation. A total of 30 students’ translations were randomly selected from the three sections of the Thai to English translation classes at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University. These translations are independently examined by four translation experts for errors. Based on the findings, the analysts suggest ways to avoid these errors. All analyses are checked for inter-rater agreement using Fleiss’ kappa (Shrout & Fleiss, 1979), and inter-rater agreement is interpreted as proposed by Landis and Koch (1977). The results of the study can be used as a basic guideline for identifying and avoiding translation errors especially for novice translators (e.g. Kulthamrong, 2014) and for improving teaching translation in English as a Foreign/Global Language context (Wongranu, 2017).