FACTORS AFFECTING VIETNAMESE–CHINESE TRANSLATION ERRORS: EVIDENCE FROM SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, HO CHI MINH CITY

Abstract

Teaching Chinese Practice requires lecturers to address multiple components, includingvocabulary, grammar, and lessons content. Despite the integration of diverse teaching methods, students’ learning outcomes often fall short of expectations. A recurring challenge is inaccurate translation in both directions—Vietnamese to Chinese and Chinese to Vietnamese. Therefore, the study investigates the underlying causes of such translation errors, with particular attention to students’ neglect of word classes, especially in cases where words function across multiple grammatical categories. Drawing on survey data from second-year students at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology, the analysis identifies key factors contributing to translation mistakes and suggests effective pedagogical strategies. The findings aim to support improved teaching practices and enhance student performance in Chinese translation tasks.