Jenny Mea V.

Cerona December 11, 2023

BSED-ENGLISH 1 ELE121

“Students’ Proficiency and Challenges in Filipino-to-English Translation: The Case of Filipino

Senior High School Students in a Private Institution”

The research article titled "Students’ Proficiency and Challenges in Filipino-to-English

Translation: The Case of Filipino Senior High School Students in a Private Institution," published
by the International Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Translation (IJLLT), provides a
thorough examination of the obstacles faced by Filipino students in the translation process. The
study delves into multifaceted challenges encompassing lexical-semantic, grammatical,
rhetorical, pragmatic, and cultural dimensions, offering a nuanced perspective on the intricacies
of translation. Simanjuntak's assertion that "Translation is both a process and a product"
resonates throughout the article, emphasizing the dual nature of this linguistic skill in
overcoming barriers.

The study sheds light on the specific struggle encountered by Filipino students when translating
from their mother tongue, Tagalog, to English, despite English being the country's second
language. Roxas's assertion that translation plays a crucial role in a linguistically diverse country
like the Philippines, with 181 languages, is well-supported. The research's strength lies in its
comprehensive results and discussions, utilizing diverse research instruments, including the
Filipino worktext book "sa piling larangan" for translation.

The focus on 27 senior high school students in the STEM strand adds depth to the study,
highlighting the importance of effective language teaching practices, given the significance of
proficiency in both Filipino and English, the official languages of the Philippines. However, the
article could benefit from an enhanced emphasis on culture, a vital aspect of communication.
While acknowledging the lack of research on effective language teaching practices, the article
suggests the need for further exploration into teachers' effectiveness.

Moreover, the challenges faced by students in pragmatics and cultural factors influencing
language learning, such as racism and discrimination, could be more extensively addressed.
Although the article commendably provides numerous references, there's room for improvement
in discussing social aspects and the challenges posed by insufficient resources, digital divide,
and educational access.
 The conclusion applauds the author's call for further studies on translation proficiency,
exploration of approaches, and consideration of socio-cultural factors and academic
backgrounds in influencing translation cognition and performance.

In summary, the article effectively highlights the struggles in Filipino-to-English translation

among senior high school students. While acknowledging its strengths, there's an opportunity to
delve deeper into pragmatic challenges, cultural factors, and social aspects, enhancing the
comprehensive understanding of the subject.
 CRITIQUE PAPER

Jenny Mea V. Cerona

BSED English 1

December 11, 2023

Ms. Prences Mae Langga

MSU-MCBE CAMPUS PROFESSOR

ELE121- Instructor