RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Members:
Nguyễn An Trinh
Đặng Thị Minh Hòa
Nguyễn Thị Thúy (59B)
Trần Thị Hương Giang
Bùi Trà Giang

1. Topic of the research:

Unnaturalness in English – Vietnamese translation (lexicology problem)

2. Background of the research

The practice of translation dates back some two thousand years and ever since has existed
until present days. It is believed that translation plays an important role in human’s life.
According to Anna Rusconi (an Italian translator), “words travels worlds, translation do the
driving.” Translation is a means by which people can integrate into the world. In the context
of globalization, translation is becoming more and more important. The practice of
translation contributes to bridging the gap between countries, especially language-related
aspects. Translation helps people broaden their knowledge, raise socio-cultural awareness,
facilitate professional communication activities, … Many famous translators have been
praised for their contribution for human being. Translation has undeniable significance to
the socio-cultural development of the world.
However, “there is no such thing as a perfect, ideal or “correct” translation” (Peter
Newmark”. It is certain that there is almost no perfect translation even when it conveyed the
general message of the original. The main reason of that problem is the linguistic and
cultural differences between languages. Translating a source language into the target
language to have the best translation is always a goal that translators want to achieve. Even
so, getting a good translation is a very difficult process. There have been many professional
translators who spend their whole file trying to solve the limitations in the translations, but
they still can not completely solve the problem.
For students of Foreign Languages faculty, it is essential and compulsory to learn translation
skills. Fluency and master in translation helps students improve their future career
opportunities and at the same time broaden their own knowledge. However, it is difficult for
students to come up with a translation which can be rated as good. One of the reasons is the
linguistic problem. That is why this study was conducted.

3. Rationale and purpose of the research

As a major difficulty for all translators is how to translate the most accurate and natural
way. Especially for students of Foreign Language faculty, translation is very important, but
it has many difficulties. This research was conducted in order to find the difficulties in the
translation process, especially way to natural translation. This research also helps student
have an overview of the translation skills as well as the importance of translation. Thereby,
it will encourage and motivate them in learning translation
 This research aims to:

- Provides an overview of the common types of mistakes about lexicology in the

English-Vietnamese translation that can make their translations unnatural and
incomprehensible.
- To help translators be fully aware and can avoid making mistakes in using
vocabulary in the English-Vietnamese translation process.
- Find out the cause of unnatural and incomprehensible translation (about lexicology).
- Proposing some possible solutions to overcome the problems of unnatural translation
in term of lexicology.

4. Research questions

The research is made to find out the answer for the following questions:

4.1. In terms of lexicology, what is unnaturalness in E-V translation? What is

causes?
4.2. In term of lexicology, what types of mistakes in the E-V translation do BE
students make? Reasons?
4.3. In term of lexicology, what should Be students do to avoid unnatural
translation?
5. Research method

In this research, quantitative methods were used. A survey was done with data collected
from 100 students of Business English Department of NEU who were dealing with English-
Vietnamese translation. Questionnaire was made in multiple choice form on Google Form
and sent to participants through social media, Facebook.
After collecting data, we used data analysis method to analyse and study the reason of the
unnaturalness in English-Vietnamese translation. Finally, from references and experiences,
we gave some suggestions to help BE students avoid unnatural translation and improve
translation skills.

6. Research scope

This research aims to focus on Business English students at National Economics University.
However, all people interested in translation work can consider it a useful reference.

7. Research structure
7.1. Definition of unnaturalness in English- Vietnam translation.

In this part, the unnaturalness in translation will be defined base on several previous
researches in this field and example also will be given to make this term clear.

7.2. Lexicological mistakes cause unnaturalness in English-Vietnam translation.

According to studies in this topic, there are many kinds of mistakes that make translations
unnatural such as in vocabulary, grammar, culture…. However, this mini research will focus
on lexicological mistakes and show how BE juniors to translate naturally.
 7.3. Causes of unnaturalness in English-Vietnam translation.

Base on the reality in translation of students and knowledge in lesson as well, reasons of this
matter will be explained clearly.

7.4. Suggestions to avoid unnaturalness in English-Vietnam translation.

Some suggestion will be given to help BE students partly improve translations.

7.5. Summary and conclusions