Evaluating the quality of foreign language training based on test translation of culture specific linguistic units

Abstract

The article analyses the quality of foreign language training among international relations students, necessary for professional communication in a multicultural environment, with regards to different historical and cultural backgrounds of the contacting languages. The article aims to provide criteria for evaluating the quality by assessing test translation of culture specific linguistic units with focus on linguistic, social and cultural differences of the source and target languages. The study involves such methods as the analysis of theoretical literature, polling, a questionnaire survey as well as the use of quantifiable data for the analysis and classification of the findings. Fifty-seven MGIMO master program students participated in the study. Authentic specialized texts containing 56 culture specific linguistic units including non-equivalent lexicon and realia, served as test materials. The quality of translation was evaluated according to a 100-point grading scale conventionally used in MGIMO- University. The article summarizes the basic skills acquired during foreign language training as described in Russian and foreign theoretical literature, and analyzes methods for evaluating the levels of expertise. The study proposes and empirically tests criteria for assessing the quality of foreign language training among international relations students. The study found that the quality of foreign language training depends on the proficiency in translating culture specific linguistic units (realia and non-equivalent lexicon) from foreign language into Russian, with regard for social and cultural differences of the two languages. The findings indicate the relevance of the given indices and show the necessity to elaborate clear criteria for assessing the quality of professional foreign language training.