Unraveling the Mistakes: An Analysis of Student Errors in Translating Literary Texts

Authors

  • Sadije Rexhepi University of Prishtina
  • Albulena Blakaj-Gashi University of Prishtina
  • Agnesa Haklaj University of Prishtina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1404.02

Keywords:

translation of literary texts, error analysis, interference, sentence structure

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the translation performance of German students at the University of Prishtina when translating literary texts from German into Albanian. The paper focuses on the question of whether errors occur during the translation process in the areas of grammar, orthography, semantics, and sentence structure, including possible interference errors between the two languages. These errors may arise due to uncertainties, carelessness, or the influence of other languages. The interference of German manifests itself primarily in the lexical level and sentence structure. If the languages have differences in sentence structure, this interference leads to grammatically incorrect sentences. An interference of Albanian is also noticeable, primarily on a pragmatic level, which is mainly determined by the cultural context. Errors are a characteristic feature of foreign language learners. They are a phenomenon that affects not only foreign language learners but also native speakers. This paper analyses and classifies the errors that German students at the University of Prishtina make when translating by applying the theoretical, analytical, and contrastive methods in the translation of literary texts.

Author Biographies

Sadije Rexhepi, University of Prishtina

German Language and Literature, Faculty of Philology

Albulena Blakaj-Gashi, University of Prishtina

German Language and Literature, Faculty of Philology

Agnesa Haklaj, University of Prishtina

German Language and Literature, Faculty of Philology

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Published

2024-04-29

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