Uncovering Arabic Language Errors in Scientific Writing Undergraduate Thesis Context: An Analysis of Translation Aspect

Fina Sa'adah; Inayah Inayah; Ismail Ismail; Muhammad Ahsanul Husna; Dzakiyatul Fikriyah

doi:10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i1.55-80

Authors

Fina Sa'adah Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang
Inayah Inayah Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6736-5301
Ismail Ismail Prassan Wittaya School, Thailand
Muhammad Ahsanul Husna Universitas Wahid Hasyim https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6268-7226
Dzakiyatul Fikriyah Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32332/an-nabighoh.v27i1.55-80

Keywords:

Translation Evaluation, Written Translation, Scientific Research, Error Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze Indonesian–Arabic translation errors in scientific writing among students of the Arabic Language Education Department at Walisongo State Islamic University. Specifically, it seeks to (1) examine the nature of written language translation, (2) evaluate the quality of student translations based on established criteria, and (3) classify common types of translation errors. Employing a qualitative, product-oriented research design, data were collected using purposive sampling from 39 students. The analysis focused on linguistic errors, with translation quality assessed through the criteria of accuracy, readability, and naturalness. The study identified the following types and frequencies of errors: letter-level errors (288), word structure errors (375), vocabulary errors (436), idiomatic or expression-related errors (336), and sentence-level errors (372). These findings suggest that Arabic language lecturers should consider developing idiomatic expression references, composition textbooks, and translation guides tailored to Indonesian–Arabic contexts. The department is encouraged to incorporate these insights into curriculum development, particularly for the courses “Indonesian–Arabic Translation” and “Academic Composition”.

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Author Biographies

Fina Sa'adah, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

Fina Sa’adah is a Senior Lecturer at Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang Indonesia, specializing in Arabic Translation and Grammar Learning. She holds a Master’s in Arabic Language Learning from Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Currently, she is a lecturer & researcher at Walisongo State Islamic University Semarang, Indonesia, focusing on Arabic Translation. Fina Sa’adah has extensive experience in Arabic Translation, with a particular focus on Nahwu (Syntax) & Sarf (Morphology) Translation. In addition to her research, Fina Sa’adah is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and other professional activities, serving as a tutor at Walisongo State Islamic University. She can be contacted at fina.saadah@walisongo.ac.id.
Inayah Inayah, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

Inayah is a Lecturer at Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia, specializing in Arabic Language Learning. She holds a Master’s in Arabic Language Learning from Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, Malang, Indonesia. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate & researcher at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University, Malang, Indonesia, focusing on Arabic Language Learning. She is an Awardee of the Indonesia Bangkit scholarship from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Doctoral Programme under the license of the Indonesian Education Funding Institution (LPDP). She has extensive experience in Arabic Language Learning with a particular focus on Developing Curriculum, Evaluation, and Assessment, and Applied Linguistics it. She can be contacted at inayah@walisongo.ac.id.
Ismail Ismail, Prassan Wittaya School, Thailand

Ismail is a senior teacher at Prassan Wittaya School under Ma’had Tsaqafah Islamiyyah, specializing in Arabic Language and Islamic Curriculum. Currently, he is a teacher at Ma’had Tsaqafah Islamiyyah, focusing on Arabic Language and Islamic Curriculum. Ismail has extensive experience in Islamic Education, with a particular focus on Al-Qur’an, Hadiths, and Arabic Language. In addition to his research, Ismail is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, serving as tutor at Ma’had Tsaqafah Islamiyyah.
Muhammad Ahsanul Husna, Universitas Wahid Hasyim

Muhammad Ahsanul Husna is an Associate Professor at Wahid Hasyim University, Semarang, Indonesia, specializing in Arabic Studies. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Arabic Studies from Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia. Currently, he is a professional researcher at Wahid Hasyim University, Semarang, Indonesia, focusing on Arabic Studies. He has extensive experience in learning within the environment of the Ministry of Education, Research, Technology, and Higher Education, with a particular focus on childhood development and Merdeka Curriculum. In addition to his research, he is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and professional activities at the Ministry of Education, Research, Technology, and Higher Education. He can be contacted at ahsanulhusna@unwahas.ac.id.
Dzakiyatul Fikriyah, Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang

Dzakiyatul Fikriyah is an Undergraduate Student at Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia, specializing in Arabic Language Learning. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arabic Language Learning from Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia. Currently, she is a sixth-semester student at Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia, focusing on Arabic Language Learning. She has extensive experience in educational research, collaborating with lecturers, with a particular focus on Arabic Language Learning. She can be contacted at 2203026067@student.walisongo.ac.id.

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