The Analysis of the Relationship between the Theoretical Knowledge of Translators and Their Practical Translation Skills: An Evaluation of Graduate Translation Courses

Abstract

The present study, in the first place, attempted to examine the relationship between the theoretical knowledge of translation and practical translation skills in Iranian translators. For this purpose, 35 M.A students both males and females studying English translation were selected in Mashhad Ferdowsi University in Iran. In order to collect data two tests were applied: one made up of questions selected from the Ph.D and M.A entrance exams together with a test of actual translation from Persian to English and the reverse. Data analysis and statistical calculations through T-TEST, one way ANOVA and Pearson Correlation revealed that participants’ theoretical knowledge does not displays a significant correlation with their scores in the English to Persian practical exams, while there is a positive relationship between participants’ scores in the theoretical exams and their Persian to English translation. Also it was found that participants’ experimental experiences in translation have a significant effect on their English to Persian translation.