Skills and Language Proficiency of Saudi EFL Learners The Use of Idiomatic Expressions to Examine the Translation

Abstract

It is believed that efficient use of idioms is a sign of language proficiency. However, English-as-foreign-language (EFL) learners encounter idioms as an obstacle that hinders their language learning. Consequently, the translation of idioms is assumed to be even more challenging. This study investigates the problems encountered by Saudi EFL learners when translating idioms, the translation strategies employed by them, the most difficult type of idioms for them, and their attitudes towards learning idioms. Further, this study examines the relationship between idiomatic competence and language proficiency. For this purpose, a translation test and a questionnaire are employed to collect data. Moreover, a quantitative approach is followed to analyse the data obtained. Further, the study followed the semantic classification of idioms by Fernando and Flavell (1981) and considered the translation strategies by Baker (2018). The results revealed that Saudi EFL learners faced several issues when translating idioms. In addition, the data revealed that guessing from the context was the most employed translation strategy. Moreover, opaque idioms were identified as the most problematic type of idioms for Saudi EFL learners. However, overall, the students demonstrated a positive attitude towards learning idioms. Finally, a positive correlation was found between idiomatic competence and language proficiency.