Equivalence Problems in Translating SL text to TL Text: Students’ Perspective

Abstract

The problem of translating English text (Source Language, SL) to Indonesian text (Target Language, TL) for EFL students is a serious obstacle even though they already have technology-based supporting facilities. This obstacle can be seen in the results of the translation test from SL to TL text that occurred at a university in Indonesia. The data of this research was obtained through a large number of test results of translation from SL to TL texts, and the results of interviewers as translators. This research is descriptive in a qualitative framework to find the problems of translation. The results showed; (1) translation tends to be weak (sufficient predicate 6% and bad 94%); In the translation, there are serious meaning distortions, inaccuracies in using the equivalent terms of meaning, irregularities in the content of the message in the translation and rigidity in translation. (2) The weakness is caused by the weak competence of EFL students, translation skills, and special skills in translating from SL to TL. (3) This weakness has serious implications for students when they have to understand Source Language messages, transferring and restructuring into good Target language. The problem of students understanding SL texts has an impact on students' weaknesses in completing other course assignments using SL references. Thus, it is necessary to increase the competence of SL and intensive translation training