Comparative Analysis of Dictionary versus Corpus Use in Translation Teaching for Non-Translation English Majors

Abstract

The purpose of this research which employs qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is to investigate the perceptions developed by non-translation students in a tertiary level EFL setting to the use of corpus versus dictionary as two translation tools after twelve weeks of explicit instruction. The samples of the study are from the English Department of a middle sized university in the Eastern Black Sea region in Turkey. For this purpose, a qualitative research methodology was used in the study and the data was obtained through questionnaires and open-ended interviews with 55 non-translation students in a tertiary level EFL setting. The samples were delivered the questionnaires and interviews and descriptive analysis technique was used in order to analyse the findings.  In the study, the perceptions of the tertiary level EFL non-translation students towards the use of dictionary versus corpus in their translation practices were investigated. The possible potential benefits of using corpus as an alternative tool in the students’ translation practices were the subjects of further inquiry in the study. The results revealed that most non-translation students preferred to use dictionaries in their translation practices and few others considered corpus as an alternative tool while translating. A considerable number of students, on the other hand, expressed their concerns for the corpus use in translation as well as others reported limited exposure to corpus use, and for which reason they preferred to use dictionaries in their translation practices.

Keywords: Perception, Translation, Corpus, Dictionary.