The Use of Authentic Materials in Translation Learning: Thai Learners’ Perceptions of the Learning Experince

Abstract

          Scholars have proved that the authentic learning material was not only beneficial and vital to language classes, but in translation field also perceived such a material provides advantages to the learners. This qualitative study aims to determine the perceptions of Thai students on the use of authentic materials in the translation class emphasizing on the benefits and difficulties in using the materials in learning translation. Ten English major students at one university in Thailand, were participated in the study by their willingness and consent. The authentic materials were used in the conducted class that the participants needed to learn translation with the materials for twelve weeks. They also needed to go through the process of writing the reflective journals to reflect on their own learning, and also attended the semi-structure interview. The data were analyzed using content analysis and open-axial coding techniques. The results suggested the participants perceived the authentic materials could help enhancing their English language and translation skills. They also learned how to use the particular word suitably in the specific context. However, the participants faced the difficulties regarding to some technical terms and the complex sentence structures in the materials. Overall, the participants perceived both benefits and difficulties using the material in translation class.