Tracking development in the translation of formulaic sequences: a longitudinal case study

Maha Al-Harthi (), Suhad Sonbul and Tracey Costley
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Maha Al-Harthi: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Department of Applied Linguistics, College of Languages
Suhad Sonbul: Umm Al-Qura University, English Language Institute
Tracey Costley: University of Essex, Department of Language and Linguistics

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Research examining the translation of formulaic sequences (FSs) is scarce. Moreover, the few available studies in this area are experimental, which does not allow for a deeper understanding of the stages of translation skill development. The present study aims to fill this gap by employing a case study approach, whereby two multilingual speakers are followed for three months as they improve their consciousness and rendering of FSs from one of the languages they speak (English) to the language in which they are currently most immersed (Arabic). In four sessions, the two participants were instructed to translate 15 FSs in context and were later interviewed on the strategies they employed to overcome any difficulties. Their translations were then evaluated by 10 translation experts for appropriacy. Results showed that the two participants initially demonstrated some level of appropriateness in translating the target FSs; however, as they became more conscious of the FSs, they began producing less appropriate renderings of the FSs. The interviews revealed that the two participants employed three major strategies: omission, the use of technology, and speculation. We interpret the results within the framework of skill development theory and discuss their implications for training translators in a multilingual context.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06039-5

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