Analysis of Errors in the Translation of Arabic prepositions into Malay: A Case Study Among Islamic University Students

Abstract

The problem of this study refers to the need for evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process of the Arabic language among students at the Islamic University. A descriptive analysis methodology was employed to identify the types of errors made. The focus of the research was on the phenomenon of translating Arabic prepositions into Malay. The study sample was taken from translation exercises conducted by students during lecture sessions. This served as a systematic evaluation of their translation ability and skills, while also identifying the forms and aspects that led to such errors. One (1) set of sample texts (containing 20 selected Arabic sentences with prepositions) was translated by thirty-three (33) research participants. Their translations were then analyzed based on error categories and dimensions, such as the accuracy of preposition choice and whether any modifications were made to the selection of prepositions in the translation. How did these occur? Why were they made? The findings recorded nine translation errors of prepositions in the target texts. This indicates that some participants lacked systematic skills in producing their translations. The semantic deviations clearly demonstrate that they did not fully comprehend the meaning of the source text, making it difficult to transfer it accurately into the target text.