The Role of Translation Theory in Preparing Professional Translators: A Descriptive Analysis Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objectives: This study aims to enhance the understanding of the interaction between theory and practice and its role in enriching real-world translation practices. It examines translation comments and strategic decisions made by translation students who have received at least three years of training in both practical and theoretical translation. Methods: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, using data from 246 translation tasks completed by 20 students enrolled in a practical translation training course. Each task contained approximately 1,000 words. The translation comments covered a variety of texts, including legal, promotional, educational, media, general, and technical content. The researcher selected diverse text types to address a wide range of challenges translators may encounter in professional settings. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed to analyse students’ translation decisions and comments, assessing the impact of theoretical approaches on their choices. Each student was given four days to submit their translation, along with a detailed explanation of the applied theories, their justifications, and whether they were used independently or in combination with others. Results: The study revealed that the majority of students (62.19%) did not apply translation theories in their work, which reduced the consideration of cultural and contextual factors in the translation process. Conclusions: The study recommends revising translation curricula to achieve a better balance between theory and practice.
Author: Nader N. Albkower
Institution: Mutah University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127051376