Problems of English prepositions in EFL learners' translation quality

Abstract

This paper attempts to investigate the problems of using English prepositions in translation. Also it aims to find out the difficulties and the causes of Libyan students’ errors in using prepositions in translation and to suggest appropriate solutions for the difficulties. Moreover, this research focuses on English statements which contain prepositions. Previous studies showed that most errors of Arab students in translating prepositions from English into Arabic are due to many reasons. Therefore, this study targeted EFL students of education college, Al- Mergib university. To achieve the objectives of this study a sample of (62) students and from the population were chosen. The instrument of this study is a test which is handed to the students to inspect the difficulties of translating English prepositions, also. For data analysis, the researcher adopted (SPSS) program. The main findings of the study is that fourth year students at college of education – Al-Mergib university – Libya encounter problems in translating prepositions from English into Arabic due to many reasons such as lacking knowledge about English prepositions, English prepositional systems are more complicated than Arabic, the impact of mother tongue interference as well as overgeneralization. Also the study showed that EFL Libyan students lack facilities needed for effective translation such as syllabuses do not meet student's needs as well as no Libyan teachers for translation at education college. Accordingly, it is recommended that translation syllabuses should be designed perfectly to help students acquire translation skills and EFL Libyan students should know the differences between Arabic and English prepositions to translate them correctly.