Difficulties Faced by Eleventh Grade Students in Translating English Narrative Texts into Indonesian at SMA Swasta Katolik Mariana Medan

Authors

  • yuni manullang Universitas HKBP Nommensen
  • Kammer Sipayung Universitas HKBP Nommensen
  • Dewi Silalahi Universitas HKBP Nommensen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51622/vsh.v7i1.3259

Keywords:

Translation difficulties; English narrative texts, lexical, grammatical, semantic, linguistic and non-linguistic factors.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the types of translation difficulties faced by eleventh-grade students in translating English narrative texts into Indonesian and to identify the factors causing these difficulties. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method, using translation sheets and interview transcripts as the primary data sources. The findings revealed that students experienced three main types of difficulties: lexical, grammatical, and semantic, with lexical difficulties being the most dominant (42.5%), followed by grammatical (32.5%) and semantic difficulties (25%). The factors causing these difficulties were classified into linguistic factors, including limited vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure problems, lack of contextual understanding, and reliance on literal translation, as well as non-linguistic factors such as fear of making mistakes, low self-confidence, and lack of practice. The study concluded that both linguistic competence and psychological factors significantly influenced students’ translation performance, suggesting that improvement in vocabulary, grammar mastery, contextual understanding, and learning support is essential to enhance students’ translation skills.

Keywords: Translation difficulties; English narrative texts, lexical, grammatical, semantic, linguistic and non-linguistic factors.

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Published

2026-05-09

How to Cite

Difficulties Faced by Eleventh Grade Students in Translating English Narrative Texts into Indonesian at SMA Swasta Katolik Mariana Medan. (2026). Visi Sosial Humaniora, 7(1), 111-121. https://doi.org/10.51622/vsh.v7i1.3259

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