GRADUATION PAPER

Topic: A Study on Difficulties in Translating Economic Articles from Vietnamese into

English Faced by English-majored Students at Thuongmai University

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Translation
2.1.1. Concepts of translation
Translation is a linguistic process that enables cross-linguistic and cross-cultural
communication. Various scholars and researchers have provided different definitions of
translation, reflecting its complexity and interdisciplinary nature.
Peter Newmark (1988) defines translation as the process of rendering the meaning
of a text from one language into another in the way that the author intended. His
definition places emphasis on the translator's role in maintaining the original meaning
while considering both linguistic and contextual factors. Newmark differentiates between
communicative translation, which aims to produce a natural and comprehensible text for
the target audience, and semantic translation, which prioritizes accuracy and fidelity to
the source text. This perspective highlights the balance between literal and free
translation, a fundamental issue in translation studies.
Chung (2024) defines translation as the process of converting written texts from one
language to another while ensuring the accuracy of idiomatic expressions and cultural
nuances. The author highlights that translation is not merely a word-for-word substitution
but rather an interpretation that requires linguistic competence and cultural awareness.
Similarly, Phan, Nguyen, Ly, and Nguyen (2021) emphasize that translation involves
both linguistic transformation and contextual adaptation. They argue that effective
translation should balance fidelity to the source text with naturalness in the target
language, ensuring that the intended meaning is preserved.
According to Tran and Luong (2024), translation is a cognitive and linguistic
activity that requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages. They
suggest that translation is influenced by factors such as grammatical structure, cultural
differences, and the translator's own language proficiency. This perspective aligns with
Do (2018), who asserts that translation is not only a linguistic operation but also a
problem-solving process. The author argues that translators often face challenges related
to lexical equivalence, syntactic structures, and semantic ambiguity, particularly when
dealing with specialized fields such as economics.
From these diverse definitions, it is evident that translation is a multifaceted process
that extends beyond mere linguistic transfer. While all definitions agree that translation is
a complex process requiring linguistic and cultural proficiency, there are key differences
among them.
Newmark (1988) focuses on the translator's role in maintaining meaning while
distinguishing between communicative and semantic translation. His approach serves as a
theoretical foundation for understanding different translation strategies. Chung (2024)
and Phan et al. (2021) emphasize the role of cultural adaptation, suggesting that
translation is not just about linguistic accuracy but also about conveying meaning in a
way that is culturally appropriate. In contrast, Tran and Luong (2024) focus more on the
cognitive challenges of translation, highlighting the mental effort required to process and
convert information between languages. Lastly, Do (2018) takes a problem-solving
perspective, viewing translation as a task that involves overcoming lexical and syntactic
difficulties.
Considering these perspectives, this study will adopt a combination of linguistic,
cognitive, and contextual approaches to translation. Given that economic translation
requires precision, contextual adaptation, and problem-solving skills, the study will focus
on how students navigate these challenges and what strategies they employ to improve
their translation accuracy. Specifically, the definition provided by Phan et al. (2021) will
serve as the foundational concept. Their emphasis on balancing linguistic transformation
with contextual adaptation is particularly relevant to economic translation, which requires
both technical accuracy and natural readability. Additionally, the cognitive and linguistic
approach proposed by Tran and Luong (2024) will be incorporated, as it highlights the
challenges that student translators encounter when dealing with specialized terminology
and syntactic structures.
2.1.2. Methods of translation
Theories of translation methods have evolved over time, with scholars offering
different approaches to balance fidelity to the source text and naturalness in the target
language. Among the most influential frameworks is Newmark’s (1988) classification of
translation methods, which remains widely referenced in translation studies. Specifically,
Newmark (1988) proposed eight translation methods, divided into two broad categories:
source-oriented methods and target-oriented methods.
a) Source-Oriented Methods (prioritizing the original structure and meaning)
 Word-for-word translation: Translates each word directly, maintaining the exact
structure of the source text. It is useful for understanding grammar but often
produces unnatural target texts.
 Literal translation: Maintains the grammatical structure of the source language
while adjusting words for meaning in the target language.
 Faithful translation: Strives to be accurate and reproduce the author’s intentions
without adding or removing meaning.
 Semantic translation: Focuses on meaning while allowing minor adjustments for
readability.
b) Target-Oriented Methods (prioritizing fluency and cultural adaptation)
 Adaptation: Rewrites the text to fit the target audience’s culture, common in
literary and poetic [Link] translation: Rephrases the content, often
sacrificing form to improve readability.
 Idiomatic translation: Uses natural expressions to maintain meaning, often
diverging significantly from the source text.
 Communicative translation: Ensures that the translation conveys the exact
meaning and effect intended by the original author.
 Newmark’s methods highlight the tension between staying faithful to the original
text and adapting to the target audience, a challenge particularly relevant to economic and
literary translation.
Other scholars have proposed alternative translation methods and strategies, often
building on or modifying Newmark’s framework. Huynh and Duong (2023) examined
translation methods in rendering the titles of famous novels from English into
Vietnamese, emphasizing communicative and idiomatic translation as the most effective
approaches. Their study found that these methods enhance reader engagement and ensure
clarity, making them preferable in literary translation. Similarly, Maharani et al. (2025)
analyzed the English version of Perahu Kertas and concluded that free translation was
frequently used to convey cultural nuances without compromising readability.
It can be concluded that Newmark’s (1988) classification has provided a
comprehensive framework and this study will follow Newmark’s theory to analyze the
challenges faced by students at Thuongmai University when translating economic articles
from Vietnamese to English while proposing solutions to improve translation quality.
2.1.3. Common strategies of translation
Translation strategies play a crucial role in bridging linguistic, cultural, and
structural differences between languages. In the context of economic articles, translation
becomes even more complex due to the use of specialized terminology, abstract concepts,
and logical argumentation. Various scholars have proposed different approaches to
handle these challenges effectively:
Mona Baker (2018) introduced a taxonomy of translation strategies based on
different levels of equivalence, which is highly applicable to economic translation.
One key strategy she proposed is translation by a more general word (superordinate
term), which is used when a direct equivalent does not exist in the target language. For
example, the English term “inflationary spiral” might be translated into Vietnamese as
“lạm phát leo thang”, which conveys a broader concept rather than an exact match.
Another widely used strategy is translation by paraphrase, particularly useful for
technical and economic terms that do not have an established equivalent in the target
language. This method allows translators to maintain clarity while ensuring that
specialized terminology is accurately conveyed.
Additionally, Baker identified translation by omission or addition, which is applied
when certain elements need to be adjusted for readability or contextual coherence. In
economic articles, this strategy helps simplify complex sentences while preserving
essential meaning.
While Baker’s approach focuses on equivalence and flexibility, Vinay and
Darbelnet (1995) provide a structured framework by distinguishing between direct
translation and oblique translation strategies.
Direct translation includes literal translation, where words are transferred directly
from the source to the target language while maintaining grammatical and syntactic
structures. For instance, “gross domestic product” is often translated as “tổng sản phẩm
quốc nội” without modification. Meanwhile, calque translation involves creating a phrase
that mirrors the source language structure, such as “capital market” becoming “thị
trường vốn”.
On the other hand, Vinay and Darbelnet oblique translation strategies focus on
adapting the text for natural readability in the target language. One example is
modulation, where the translator changes the perspective while preserving the original
meaning. For instance, “high unemployment” may be translated as “tỷ lệ thất nghiệp tăng
cao” instead of the more direct “thất nghiệp cao”. Another strategy is equivalence, which
involves replacing idiomatic expressions with culturally appropriate alternatives to
enhance fluency. Finally, adaptation is employed when cultural references must be
modified to suit the target audience. This is particularly useful in economic translation,
where policy terms or financial regulations differ across countries.
Between these two approaches, this study adopts a combination of Baker’s
equivalence-based strategies and Vinay & Darbelnet direct and oblique translation
methods. Baker’s framework is useful for handling terminology gaps and structural
differences, while Vinay & Darbelnet strategies provide a systematic approach to
balancing linguistic accuracy and readability. This integrated approach will be applied to
analyze the difficulties faced by English-majored students at Thuongmai University when
translating economic articles from Vietnamese to English.
2.2. Economic articles
2.2.1. Concepts of articles
In the context of translation studies, particularly in the translation of economic
articles from Vietnamese into English, it is crucial to first understand the concept of
"article" from various academic perspectives. The term "article" can be defined
differently depending on the field of study, including linguistics, journalism, and
academia:
According to Bell (1991), an article in journalism refers to a piece of writing
published in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms that provides information,
analysis, or opinions on a particular topic. Journalistic articles are typically structured
with a clear headline, introduction, body, and conclusion, aiming to inform or persuade
readers (Bell, 1991). This definition emphasizes the communicative function of articles in
the media, which is relevant to economic articles published in newspapers and business
magazines.
Crystal (2011) provides a broader linguistic definition, stating that an article is any
self-contained written composition that presents information, arguments, or narratives on
a specific subject. This definition does not limit the term to journalism or economy but
considers it a general unit of written discourse found in various contexts (Crystal, 2011).
This perspective allows for a more inclusive approach to defining economic articles, as it
encompasses news reports, opinion pieces, research papers, and business analyses.
However, it lacks the specificity needed to distinguish between different types of articles
and their communicative purposes.
For the purpose of translation studies, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive
definition that integrates both perspectives. Article can be seen as a hybrid genre,
combining journalistic elements (clarity, accessibility) and academic rigor (structured
argumentation, evidence-based analysis). Understanding these characteristics is crucial
for translators to accurately convey meaning, maintain coherence, and adapt the text
appropriately for different readerships.
2.2.2. Concepts of economic articles
Economic articles are a significant form of academic and professional writing that
presents analyses, discussions, and research findings on economic theories, policies, and
market trends. Scholars have provided multiple definitions of economic articles, each
emphasizing different aspects of their nature and function.
Hodgson (2001) defines an economic article as a structured academic or
professional text that explores economic phenomena, institutions, and policies using a
combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical analysis. He argues that economic
articles serve as a medium for scientific discourse, distinguishing them from journalistic
or opinion-based economic writings.
Hodgson’s definition highlights the scientific and structured nature of economic
articles, emphasizing their function in advancing economic knowledge rather than merely
reporting economic events. This distinction is important in translation studies because
economic articles often contain specialized terminology and require a high level of
accuracy to maintain their scientific validity. However, Hodgson’s definition does not
explicitly discuss the rhetorical or persuasive elements of economic discourse, which can
pose challenges in translation.
McCloskey (1998) describes economic articles as argumentative and rhetorical texts
that construct economic reasoning through a combination of quantitative data, narrative
elements, and persuasive language. According to this view, economic writing is not
merely an objective presentation of facts but a persuasive discourse that influences public
opinion and policymaking.
McCloskey’s perspective is particularly insightful in the context of translation
studies because it underscores the rhetorical nature of economic discourse. Translating
such articles is challenging due to their persuasive intent, which often involves cultural
and contextual nuances that may not have direct equivalents in the target language. This
definition is crucial for understanding why literal translation is insufficient when dealing
with economic texts.
Stiglitz and Greenwald (2014) define economic articles as analytical compositions
that provide theoretical and empirical investigations into economic issues, often
incorporating statistical modeling and policy recommendations. They argue that
economic articles differ from general economic reports in that they require a structured
argument supported by evidence rather than mere descriptive analysis.
This definition provides a clearer distinction between economic articles and other
forms of economic communication. It emphasizes empirical analysis and policy
recommendations, which are crucial for academic discourse. However, it does not
address the stylistic and terminological complexities that translators may encounter,
making it somewhat limited for translation studies.
This study adopts McCloskey’s (1998) perspective because it aligns closely with the
challenges faced in translating economic texts. Unlike purely factual reports, economic
articles employ persuasive language, requiring translators to go beyond literal translation
to maintain rhetorical effectiveness. Understanding this aspect will be essential for
analyzing the difficulties faced by English-majored students at Thuongmai University
when translating economic articles from Vietnamese into English.
2.2.1. Characteristics of economic articles
Economic articles belong to a specialized genre of academic writing with distinct
linguistic, structural, and communicative characteristics. These features reflect the
analytical and quantitative nature of economics as a discipline. Previous studies have
classified the characteristics of economic articles from different perspectives, including
structure, language features, and communicative purpose.
Jian Wang and Yize Fan (2014) analyzed the characteristics of economic articles
from a linguistic and content perspective, emphasizing three key aspects.
First, economic articles are highly specialized and contain a significant number
of technical terms, such as GDP, inflation, monetary policy, and fiscal stimulus. The use
of mathematical models, statistics, and economic formulas is a crucial feature of this
genre.
Second, economic texts exhibit a high level of abstraction and generalization.
Rather than merely presenting data, economic articles interpret and analyze economic
trends using theoretical models. Consequently, the language is often abstract, making
comprehension more challenging for non-specialist readers.
Third, economic articles follow a logical and coherent structure. Most academic
economic articles adhere to the IMRaD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and
Discussion), ensuring clarity and a structured flow of information. The logical
sequencing of arguments, often presented in a cause-effect manner, is another defining
characteristic.
Wang & Fan (2014) provide a clear classification of economic articles based on
specialization, abstraction, and logical structure. However, their framework primarily
focuses on content and structure, without addressing the communicative function of
economic discourse.
The study Economic Texts: The Cognitive Aspects of Translation (2021) examines
economic articles from a cognitive and translation perspective. This research highlights
how the characteristics of economic articles create challenges for translators, particularly
in information processing and interpretation.
One major characteristic is the combination of quantitative and qualitative
information. Economic articles do not merely present numerical data but also provide in-
depth analyses and interpretations. Translators must accurately convey both the statistical
and contextual meaning of the data. Additionally, economic articles exhibit strong
coherence in argumentation and technical terminology, requiring a deep understanding
of logical argument structures and domain-specific vocabulary. Unlike general texts,
economic articles rely on precise terminology, which often lacks direct equivalents in
other languages, complicating the translation process.
Compared to Wang & Fan (2014), this study focuses more on cognitive processing
and linguistic challenges, rather than structural or content-based classification. This
perspective is particularly useful for analyzing translation difficulties, as it explains why
economic texts pose challenges beyond just technical terminology—they also require a
deep understanding of economic reasoning.
Ivanytska & Ivanytska (2024) analyze economic articles from a communicative and
pragmatic perspective, emphasizing the role of economic writing in conveying arguments
and persuading readers.
A key characteristic of economic articles is their dual purpose: providing
information and persuading readers about an economic standpoint. Economic texts are
not just neutral presentations of facts; they often contain persuasive elements, especially
when discussing policy recommendations or economic forecasts. Authors use various
rhetorical strategies, including comparisons between economic theories, trend analyses,
and policy evaluations, to strengthen their arguments. Another crucial feature is the
flexibility in writing style. Unlike purely scientific texts, economic articles can
incorporate subjective interpretations, particularly in policy analysis and economic
predictions. Writers frequently use rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions,
emphasis, and repetition to enhance argumentation.
Compared to Wang & Fan (2014) and Economic Texts: The Cognitive Aspects of
Translation (2021), Ivanytska & Ivanytska (2024) introduce a pragmatic dimension,
explaining why economic articles are not just factual but also argumentative. This
perspective is particularly valuable for translation studies, as it highlights that translators
must consider both linguistic accuracy and rhetorical intent when working with economic
texts.
This study adopts the perspectives of both Wang & Fan (2014) and Ivanytska &
Ivanytska (2024) for two main reasons.
First, a comprehensive approach is needed to analyze translation difficulties. Wang
& Fan (2014) emphasize specialized terminology and structured reasoning, while
Ivanytska & Ivanytska (2024) highlight the rhetorical and persuasive nature of economic
writing. Since translating economic articles requires both technical accuracy and
pragmatic awareness, these two perspectives complement each other.
 Second, translation challenges arise from both language and discourse structure.
Many students struggle not only with economic jargon but also with how economic
reasoning is conveyed in English versus Vietnamese. The communicative aspect
discussed by Ivanytska & Ivanytska (2024) is essential because economic articles often
involve nuanced argumentation, requiring translators to make informed linguistic
choices.
2.3. Difficulties in translating economic articles from Vietnamese into English
2.3.1. Concepts of difficulties
Difficulty is a fundamental concept in cognitive and educational studies. Different
scholars have examined the nature of difficulty from distinct perspectives, with some
viewing it as a cognitive and behavioral limitation, while others consider it a necessary
component of learning and skill development. This section presents two key theoretical
perspectives on difficulty:
Pereira and Felicetti (2025) define difficulty as a cognitive and behavioral challenge
that occurs when individuals face tasks requiring high cognitive effort. According to their
framework, difficulty is influenced by three main factors. First, cognitive load plays a
crucial role in determining how difficult a task feels. If the information processing
demands exceed an individual’s cognitive capacity, they may struggle to complete the
task effectively. In educational settings, tasks that involve complex reasoning, unfamiliar
concepts, or extensive memory recall are perceived as more difficult. Second, prior
knowledge and experience significantly impact an individual’s perception of difficulty.
For instance, a beginner may find reading an economic article challenging due to
unfamiliar terminology and abstract concepts, while an expert would process the same
information with ease. Lastly, learning and problem-solving strategies influence how
individuals manage difficulty. Those who employ effective strategies, such as breaking
down complex tasks into smaller steps, often find it easier to overcome challenges,
whereas a lack of structured approach can make tasks feel overwhelming.
Rohaeti et al. (2025) take a learning-centered approach, arguing that difficulty
should not be seen merely as an obstacle but as an essential part of cognitive
development. Their research suggests that challenging tasks are crucial for enhancing
higher-order thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Instead of avoiding difficulties,
learners should be encouraged to develop resilience and adaptive learning strategies to
work through complex problems. Furthermore, Rohaeti et al. (2025) highlight that
difficulty is a key factor in skill acquisition and expertise development. For example, in
translation studies, struggling with complex sentence structures, idiomatic expressions, or
technical economic terminology ultimately helps students refine their linguistic and
analytical abilities. However, they also emphasize that difficulty must be appropriately
structured to prevent frustration and cognitive overload. Through scaffolding techniques,
such as step-by-step guidance and contextual explanations, learners can gradually
overcome difficulties without feeling discouraged.
This study will adopt a combined approach from Pereira and Felicetti (2025) and
Rohaeti et al. (2025) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the difficulties faced
by English-majored students when translating economic articles. While Pereira and
Felicetti (2025) focus on cognitive limitations, Rohaeti et al. (2025) emphasize the role of
difficulty in skill-building. By integrating both perspectives, this research can analyze not
only why students struggle with translation but also how these challenges can be
managed and turned into learning opportunities. Since translation requires both cognitive
effort (understanding and processing complex texts) and skill-building (gradual
improvement through practice), this dual perspective ensures a holistic approach to
studying translation difficulties

2.3.2. Concepts of difficulties in translation

One of the most common definitions of difficulties in translation comes from a

linguistic perspective. Catford (1965) defines translation difficulties as challenges arising
from language pair incompatibilities, which include differences in grammar, syntax, and
semantics. This perspective is particularly relevant to economic translation, as
Vietnamese and English have distinct syntactic structures, word formations, and
discourse conventions. Vietnamese often employs flexible word order and implicit
subjects, while English requires explicit subjects and structured clauses, making direct
translation problematic.
Newmark (1988) expands on this linguistic approach by classifying translation
difficulties into semantic and syntactic challenges. Semantic difficulties involve the
accurate transfer of meaning, especially when dealing with specialized economic
terminology, idiomatic expressions, and abbreviations that may not have direct
equivalents in English. Syntactic difficulties, on the other hand, stem from differences in
sentence structure and word formation, which can lead to unnatural or incorrect
translations if not properly adapted.
A broader definition of translation difficulties considers socio-cultural and
contextual factors. Venuti (1995) argues that translation difficulties often arise due to
cultural asymmetry-a mismatch in economic knowledge, financial terminology, and
discourse conventions between the source and target languages. Economic texts, for
instance, are embedded in specific cultural and financial systems, making it difficult for
translators to render concepts accurately without a deep understanding of both
Vietnamese and Western economic frameworks.
Based on the above perspectives, this study adopts a combined approach,
recognizing that translation difficulties arise from linguistic, cognitive, and socio-cultural
factors. The linguistic model explains how structural differences between Vietnamese
and English create challenges, the cognitive model highlights the mental effort required
for problem-solving, and the socio-cultural model emphasizes the importance of
economic knowledge and discourse adaptation.
2.3.2. Common difficulties in translating economic articles from Vietnamese into
English
Translating economic articles from Vietnamese to English presents various
challenges, particularly for students who lack experience in handling specialized
terminology, syntactic differences, and cultural nuances. Economic translation is complex
because it requires both linguistic accuracy and subject-matter expertise (Nguyen, Chu, &
Tran, 2023). Previous research has categorized these challenges into five major areas:
terminology challenges, grammatical and syntactic issues, lack of background
knowledge, pragmatic and stylistic differences, and cognitive difficulties.
a) Terminology challenges
Economic articles contain a large number of technical terms and industry-specific
expressions, which often lack direct equivalents in Vietnamese or have multiple possible
translations depending on context (Nguyen et al., 2023). For example, the English term
inflationary pressure could be translated as áp lực lạm phát or sức ép lạm phát,
depending on whether the text refers to a general economic trend or a specific market
factor. Without contextual understanding, students may choose incorrect translations,
leading to ambiguity in meaning.
Additionally, false cognates are a common issue in economic translation. False
cognates are words that appear similar in both languages but have different meanings,
leading to misinterpretations (Bunyarat, 2022). For instance, the Vietnamese word tín
dụng can be mistaken for the English word credit. However, in English, credit can mean
trustworthiness, a loan, or an academic unit, whereas in an economic context, tín dụng
primarily refers to bank loans or creditworthiness. Students who rely solely on word-for-
word translation without considering economic terminology usage may produce
inaccurate translations that misrepresent the original text.
b) Grammatical and syntactic Issues
Vietnamese and English have significantly different grammatical structures, leading
to common errors in translation (Nguyen & Trieu, 2021). One major issue is word order,
as Vietnamese has a more flexible sentence structure, whereas English follows a strict
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order. For example, the Vietnamese sentence Nền kinh tế
Việt Nam phát triển mạnh trong năm qua may be mistakenly translated as The economy
Vietnam grew strongly last year, instead of the correct version: Vietnam’s economy grew
strongly last year.
Another major challenge is tense usage. Vietnamese does not have explicit tense
markers, meaning that verb tense is inferred from context. English, on the other hand,
requires clear tense distinctions. For instance, the Vietnamese phrase Năm ngoái, tỷ lệ
thất nghiệp tăng cao might be incorrectly translated as Last year, the unemployment rate
increase high instead of Last year, the unemployment rate increased significantly. The
lack of tense markers in Vietnamese often causes students to omit necessary verb
conjugations, making the English translation grammatically incorrect.
Additionally, article omission is a frequent problem in Vietnamese-English
economic translation, as Vietnamese lacks definite and indefinite articles (a, an, the),
whereas English requires them for grammatical correctness (Nguyen & Trieu, 2021).
Students often produce errors like Government implemented policy to improve economy,
instead of The government implemented a policy to improve the economy. These mistakes
make translations sound unnatural and incomplete, reducing the readability of the text.
c) Lack of background knowledge
Economic translation requires not only linguistic skills but also a solid
understanding of economic theories and concepts (Duklim, 2022). Many Vietnamese
students lack sufficient economic knowledge, making it difficult for them to grasp the
meaning of complex financial and policy-related texts. As a result, they often rely on
literal translations, which may not convey the intended meaning accurately.
For instance, the English term monetary policy tightening refers to central bank
actions to reduce inflation by raising interest rates and controlling money supply.
However, a student unfamiliar with economic principles might translate this phrase as
thắt chặt chính sách tiền tệ without fully understanding its implications. A more accurate
translation might be "Chính sách tiền tệ thắt chặt nhằm kiểm soát lạm phát." The lack of
background knowledge can result in misinterpretations or vague translations, leading to
economic texts that lack precision.
Another example is the term trade deficit, which refers to a situation where a
country imports more than it exports. Without proper understanding, a student might
translate this as thâm hụt thương mại but fail to recognize its economic implications, such
as its impact on currency valuation and fiscal policy. Therefore, acquiring a fundamental
grasp of economic terminology and concepts is crucial for producing accurate
translations.
 d) Pragmatic and stylistic differences
Economic texts in Vietnamese and English follow different writing conventions,
leading to stylistic and pragmatic translation challenges (Nurlaila & Irlina, 2021). English
economic writing typically favors conciseness, directness, and the active voice, while
Vietnamese economic texts often include longer, indirect expressions, and passive
constructions.
For instance, a Vietnamese sentence like “chính sách kinh tế mới được chính phủ
đưa ra nhằm ổn định thị trường tài chính” might be literally translated as “the new
economic policy was introduced by the government to stabilize the financial market”.
While grammatically correct, this translation maintains the Vietnamese passive structure,
which may sound unnatural in English. A more appropriate English translation would be
“the government introduced a new economic policy to stabilize the financial market”,
shifting to the active voice preferred in English economic discourse.
Another common issue is redundant modifiers and indirect expressions in
Vietnamese, which can result in overly wordy translations. For example, the Vietnamese
phrase “tình hình tài chính hiện tại đang có những diễn biến phức tạp” may be translated
as “the current financial situation is having complicated developments”, which sounds
awkward in English. A more natural translation would be “the financial situation” is
becoming increasingly complex. Students often struggle to adapt their translations to meet
English stylistic expectations, resulting in texts that sound unnatural or overly literal.
e) Cognitive difficulties and psychological barriers
Apart from linguistic and stylistic challenges, cognitive overload and lack of
confidence also contribute to translation difficulties (Nguyen, 2022). Economic texts
contain complex sentence structures, dense terminology, and abstract concepts, requiring
high levels of concentration and analytical thinking. Students who lack confidence in
their translation skills often hesitate, second-guess their choices, or rely too heavily on
literal translation, leading to slow and inaccurate translations.
Additionally, anxiety about making mistakes can negatively impact decision-
making during translation. Many students fear misinterpreting key economic terms,
causing them to opt for safe but imprecise translations rather than attempting to
accurately convey meaning. This psychological factor reinforces a cycle of dependence
on word-for-word translation, preventing students from developing natural translation
strategies.
In conclusion, translating economic articles from Vietnamese to English presents
multiple challenges, including terminology issues, grammatical and syntactic errors, lack
of economic knowledge, stylistic differences, and cognitive barriers. Addressing these
difficulties requires a multifaceted approach, combining terminology training,
grammatical reinforcement, subject-matter expertise, stylistic adaptation, and confidence-
building strategies. By adopting a comprehensive training approach, students can
improve their translation proficiency and produce more accurate and fluent economic
texts in English.

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