How do students perform and perceive parallel corpus use in translation tasks? Evidence from an experimental study

Abstract

This study investigates how the utilisation of a parallel corpus affects the perceptions and behavioural patterns of students in translation teaching. The research employed a pre-test, training, post-test experimental design, focusing on an experimental group from a master’s degree translation programme. During a four-week workshop, these students received training on utilising a parallel corpus as a translation aid, whilst a control group received no such training. Quantitative analysis of the post-test outcomes indicated that there was no significant impact on students’ Chinese-English translation; however, it did reveal a noticeable effect on English-Chinese translation. To gain deeper insights, qualitative analysis was conducted on the translation products of all students during the post-tests. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four focal students to delve into their perceptions and behavioural patterns when utilising the parallel corpus. The findings demonstrate that the use of a parallel corpus enhanced students’ awareness of translation problems and strategies, leading to improved resourcefulness. Overall, students considered the parallel corpus a valuable tool in their translation practice. Based on the findings, the study also identified and discussed challenges associated with corpus design and pedagogical planning, which are inherent in corpus-assisted translation teaching.