Ta’zīzu Mahārāt al-Tarjamah Lada al-Ṭullab bi Istikhdāmi Mu’jam Ṡunāi al-Lughah: al-Mataramaniyah al-Jawiyah wa al-Arabiyah

Enhancing Students' Translation Abilities with Bilingual Mataraman Javanese and Arabic Dictionaries

Abstract

Translation skills play a crucial role in learning the Arabic language, particularly when it comes to grasping the cultural subtleties found in various regional dialects. However, students enrolled in the Arabic Language and Literature Program (BSA) at UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung often find it challenging to relate Arabic concepts to their own Materaman Javanese culture, highlighting a significant shortcoming in the current teaching materials.This research aims to develop and assess a bilingual dictionary that integrates Materaman Javanese and Arabic to improve translation learning for BSA students. The study utilized a Research and Development methodology, which unfolded in four key stages: (1) a needs analysis conducted through stakeholder discussions; (2) the design of the dictionary tailored to meet educational needs; (3) the compilation of entries enriched with cultural contexts; and (4) a thorough evaluation process. Data were gathered through 12 classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with 8 lecturers and 25 students, and assessment questionnaires completed by 87 respondents. The findings reveal a 27.3% increase in translation accuracy following the usage of the dictionary. Feedback indicated that 89.7% of students experienced a better understanding of cultural terms, while 84.5% observed structural similarities between the Materaman Javanese and Arabic languages. Faculty evaluations noted a 31.6% reduction in conceptual misunderstandings. This bilingual dictionary has effectively narrowed the linguistic and cultural divides in translation education.