Details de l’article

English idioms have been predominantly researched from intra-linguistic perspective with focus on typology, syntax and semantics. However, translating English idioms into French by non-native students has been heavily understudied. This qualitative study aims to compare difficulties experienced by master’s translation students in translating three types of English idioms into French. The present study relied on three authentic English texts translated into French by a sample of 18 students in translation. Overall, 15 English idioms were targeted and then grouped in three subsets: 2 literal idioms, 4 semi-literal idioms and 9 opaque idioms. The data analysis has shown that the subset of literal idioms has the lowest percentage of accuracy rate, 17%. The subset of semi-literal idioms represents 22% of accuracy rate, and opaque idioms account for 47%. The study has also shown how English idiom component transparency increases its translating difficulties into French. It can be further refined to look into idiom linguistic and cultural motivation as a contributing factor into idiom translation success or failure. Key words: Difficulties-English-French- Idioms-Translation