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Journal : Celebes Journal of Language Studies

Exploring the Writing Challenges Faced by First-Year EFL Students: A Qualitative Approach Rosalia, Harnita; Saputri, Faradillah; S, Jumraini; Amir, Hasbiyah Srianah; Sakkir, Geminastiti
Celebes Journal of Language Studies Vol. 5, No. 1 June 2025
Publisher : Har Press Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.51629/cjls.v5i1.229

Abstract

This study aims to identify the major writing difficulties faced by first-year students in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts at Universitas Negeri Makassar. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving the analysis of students’ written assignments and in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants. The findings reveal four key areas of difficulty: grammatical and sentence structure errors, limited vocabulary and inappropriate word choice, poor paragraph organization, and a lack of coherence and cohesion. In addition to these surface-level issues, the study uncovered several underlying contributing factors, including limited exposure to English outside the classroom, inadequate writing instruction, first language interference, emotional barriers, and excessive reliance on translation technology. These results indicate that students’ writing challenges are not solely rooted in linguistic deficiencies but are shaped by a broader ecosystem of influences that impact their development as academic writers. A deeper understanding of these factors is essential for designing more effective pedagogical interventions—ones that address both technical errors and the developmental needs of EFL learners.
Students’ Translation Strategies in Translating General English Texts Rosalia, Harnita
Celebes Journal of Language Studies Vol. 5, No. 2 December 2025
Publisher : Har Press Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.51629/cjls.v5i2.263

Abstract

This study aims to examine the translation strategies used by fifth-semester EFL students at Universitas Negeri Makassar in translating general English texts into Indonesian. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving the analysis of students’ translated texts and semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively selected participants who had completed a translation course. The findings reveal that literal translation was the most frequently used strategy, followed by modulation, borrowing, reduction, and adaptation, with occasional use of amplification and transposition. While literal translation dominated due to students’ preference for maintaining source-text structure, the use of modulation and borrowing indicates an emerging awareness of meaning, naturalness, and communicative intent. The study also identifies three key factors influencing students’ strategy choices: linguistic proficiency, cultural and contextual awareness, and translator self-confidence. These results suggest that students are in a transitional stage of translation competence, shifting gradually from form-based to meaning-oriented decision-making. Understanding these factors is essential for designing translation instruction that not only teaches strategy use, but also supports reflective awareness and confidence-building in EFL learners.