The Five Constructs for Translation Quality Analyses; A Pilot Standardization of Factors Influencing Translation Products

Abstract

This pilot research analyses the translation quality constructs that deem necessary for both source text ST and target text TT. The researchers’ experiences in translation research and practice revealed that basically, there are five constructs of translation quality analysis which can always correlate with TT regardless of differences in translation models or theoretical backgrounds used. The Five Constructs for Translation Quality Analysis (FCTQA) include: translator, source text ST, ST initiator, translation process and linguistic characteristics. Thus, this pilot study was directed to develop basic translation quality constructs for reliable translation products’ analyses. Hence, the research was designed to answer five scientific questions about both the validity and reliability of (FCTQA) in question. This study used purposive sampling techniques and a questionnaire for the process of internal consistency data collection which included the sample of professional translators in both countries; Malaysia and Libya. Each construct was loaded with a number of respective factors. The questionnaires were distributed to (n=30) of the said professional translators and all were completed and returned to the researchers. The process of data analyses depended much on descriptive statistics; whereby mean averages and correlational analyses were applied. The data were analyzed and measured against the pilot research constructs. The overall reliability coefficient of (FCTQA) was (r)=0.84 yielded by 136 factors. Then, the general discussions of (FCTQA) findings included guidelines on translation research directions; whereupon, the interpretation of findings addressed current issues on translation quality analysis. Finally, the professional suggestions and recommendations were provided in regard to (FCTQA) applications and implementations, including furthering empirical research on translation for better understanding of TT quality.