Challenges and solutions of translating English scientific metaphors into Arabic from students' perspective

Abstract EN

This study aimed to explore the challenges and solutions of translating English scientific metaphors into Arabic from senior translation students' perspective.

To achieve this objective, the descriptive survey method was adopted.

A questionnaire, consisting of 18 statements focusing on possible challenges and solutions, was developed for collecting data from a sample of 91 senior translation students randomly selected from the largest public university (Sana'a) and two private universities in Sana'a, Yemen.

Data was analyzed with the help of the SPSS software.

Major findings revealed that the challenges were related to linguistic variations between English and Arabic in terms of lexical content, syntax and ideology.

Other challenges were related to students' knowledge and skills such as the lack of experience and the unfamiliarity with the English culture.

With regard to solutions, the findings also revealed that more attention should be paid to translation practice with a focus on metaphoric expressions in both English and Arabic.

Focus should also be on translation methods and strategies used to translate metaphoric expressions.

The study recommended that translation programs and departments should consider the introduction of an additional course on contrastive science discourse that would enhance students' ability to deal with metaphors in English and Arabic scientific texts.