Use of Project-based Training in Teaching Business Translation

Abstract

The present study reports on the use of project-based learning in teaching business translation at the undergraduate level at two Yemeni universities; namely, Al-Saeed University and Taiz University. Two groups of students, one control and the other experimental, were selected. Both groups took a pre-test in business translation in which they were asked to translate several texts from Arabic into English, and vice versa. After the pre-test, the two groups completed a 3-month business translation course. Project-based translation training was used with the experimental group. The control group covered the content of the course in a traditional manner. Both groups were asked to take a post-test in business translation after completion of the course. The study concluded that the experimental group that completed the project-based training showed more progress than the control group. The difference between the mean of the two groups was found to be significant, at p < 0.05. Members of the experimental group were also interviewed about the project-based approach adopted in the programme to gain insights into its pros and cons.