e17
Abstract
The study scrutinized the probable differences between general language proficiency levels and Translation Competence (TC). Furthermore, the probable significant gender differences in TC were explored. The significant relationship between general language proficiency and TC was explored. Finally, the significant predicting role of TC for general language proficiency was investigated. The participants were 196 ELT students at the Islamic Azad University of Neyshabur-Iran, who filled out a Translation Competence questionnaire and took a TOEFL test. The study followed a quantitative descriptive design, in which the differences between language learners’ general proficiency levels in TC across genders were explored. It also followed a correlational design, in which the correlation coefficient between general language proficiency levels and TC was investigated. After confirming the normality of data distribution, parametric statistical analysis was employed to probe the research questions. The findings demonstrated significant differences among three general proficiency levels in TC as well as a significant relationship between the general proficiency levels and translation competence. The significant predicting role of Translation Competence (TC) for general language proficiency was also confirmed. No significant gender difference was reported concerning translation competence. The findings offer some insightful suggestions for improving second language teaching methodology and syllabus designing.