FACTORS AFFECTING EFL STUDENTS’ ORAL TRANSLATION EXAM PERFORMANCE: A CASE IN SOUTHERN VIETNAM

Abstract

Despite the rapid development of technology and digital applications, interpreters play an indispensable role in assisting effective communication and connecting speakers from different cultures. To fulfil the global demand, more oral translation programs and courses are offered in higher education institutions. While there has been more attention to process-based teaching and learning, little has been done to examine what affects students’ performance during summative assessment. This study explores (1) EFL students’ perceptions of the factors influencing their oral translation exam performance, and (2) strategies they use and expectations on lecturers to enhance interpreting competence. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach comprising both survey and interview. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 72 English majors at a university in the south of Vietnam. The results revealed that audio quality, testing-taking anxiety, memory, vocabulary shortage, and listening skills had a greater impact on students’ oral translation exam performance than other factors. Students have various strategies and expectations of lecturers concerning a positive testing environment.