Challenges in Translating English Phrasal Verbs: A gender case of EFL undergraduate students at Saudi Electronic University

Authors

  • Mohammad Husam Alhumsi

    English Language and Translation Department, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Saleh Belhassen

    English Language and Translation Department, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Soleman Alzobidy

    English Language and Translation Department, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 11673, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Achwak Hamda

    Department of Arabic Language, University of Gafsa, Gafsa 2112, Tunisia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.9837
Received: 2 May 2025 | Revised: 29 May 2025 | Accepted: 11 June 2025 | Published Online: 8 July 2025

Abstract

A review of existing literature reveals that phrasal verbs are inherently polysemous, possessing multiple interrelated meanings. Despite this well-documented characteristic, few studies have systematically explored how such polysemy influences second language learners’ comprehension and translation of phrasal verbs. Also, the current paper tackled the influence of gender, addressing a previously unexplored area. To bridge this research gap, the present study seeks to analyze the specific difficulties EFL learners encounter when translating polysemous phrasal verbs and determine whether gender significantly correlates with performance differences in semantic translation accuracy. This study used a quantitative research method and data were statistically analyzed. A total of 66 EFL student participants were given a test containing ten phrasal verbs that needed to be translated into the Arabic language. The results showed that 73.7% of EFL students do not struggle with translating English phrasal verbs and a small number of them (28.5%) experience semantic problems. In addition, the study concluded that there is a significant difference between EFL students’ scores of correct answers of semantic translation test and their gender. Such significance goes in favor of female participants. Future research involving other aspects of translation, such as pragmatic understanding, could provide deeper insights into translation difficulties pertaining to English phrasal verbs.

Keywords:

EFL Undergraduate Students; Gender; Phrasal Verbs; Translation; Saudi Electronic University

References

[1] Aleskandarani, F., 2023. Difficulties Encountered by Second Semester Students in Translating English Phrasal Verbs into Arabic: A Case Study of Translation Department, Faculty of Languages, University of Benghazi. Journal of the Faculty of Arts. 56, 330–354. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37376/jofoa.vi56.5930

[2] Al Nasarat, S., 2018. The dilemma of learning phrasal verbs among EFL learners. Advances in Language and Literary Studies. 9(2), 119–125. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.9n.2p.119

[3] Alangari, M., Jaworska, S., Laws, J., 2020. Who's afraid of phrasal verbs? The use of phrasal verbs in expert academic writing in the discipline of linguistics. Journal of English for Academic Purposes. 43, 100814. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2019.100814

[4] Mohammed, A., Mujiyanto, J., Faridi, A., 2020. Libyan Students' Syntactic and Semantic Problems in Using Phrasal Verbs to Write English Texts. English Education Journal. 10(4), 449–455. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/eej.v10i4.39230

[5] Al-Otaibi, E., 2015. Investigating Saudi EFL Learners' Use and Teachers' Perception of English Phrasal Verbs [Master Thesis]. Al Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. pp. 1–60. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/th.218

[6] Thyab, R., 2019. Phrasal verbs in English as a second/foreign language. Arab World English Journal. 10(3), 429–437. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/hafuj

[7] Tran, Q., Pham, V., 2023. English Majors' Difficulties in Using Phrasal Verbs in Academic Writing. VNU Journal of Science: Education Research. 39(4), 78–86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1159/vnuer.4738

[8] Hlavatska, Y., 2021. The Linguistic Nature of Phrasal Verbs: Some scientific vectors of their studying. International Humanitarian University Herald Philology. 1(52), 36–39. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32841/2409-1154.2021.52-1.9

[9] Minalla, A., 2024. Multi-Word Verbs vs. One-Word Verb Construction: Between Avoidance and Preference in EFL Learning Contexts. World Journal of English Language. 14(4), 166–173. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v14n4p166

[10] Su'ud, Z., 2023. Translation quality of English phrasal verb translation in Aboulela' s short story “MISSING OUT” into Indonesian written by university students [in Indonesian]. Translation and Linguistics (Transling). 3(01), 67–76.

[11] Maciuszek, J., Polak, M., Świa̧tkowska, N., 2019. Grammatical gender influences semantic categorization and implicit cognition in Polish. Frontiers in Psychology. 10, 2208. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02208

[12] Lucy, J., 1992. Grammatical Categories and Cognition: A Case Study of the Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, MA, USA.

[13] Vigliocco, G., Vinson, D.P., Paganelli, F., et al., 2005. Grammatical gender effects on cognition: implications for language learning and language use. Journal of Experimental Psychology General. 134(4), 501–520. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0096-3445.134.4.501

[14] Cubelli, R., Paolieri, D., Lotto, L., et al., 2011. The effect of grammatical gender on object categorization. Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning Memory and Cognition. 37(2), 449–460. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021965

[15] Montefinese, M., Ambrosini, E., Roivainen, E., 2019. No grammatical gender effect on affective ratings: evidence from Italian and German languages. Cognition and Emotion. 33(4), 848–854. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2018.1483322

[16] Ramos, S., Roberson, D., 2011. What constrains grammatical gender effects on semantic judgements? Evidence from portuguese. Journal of Cognitive Psychology. 23(1), 102–111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20445911.2011.466795

[17] Garnier, M., Schmitt, N., 2016. Picking up polysemous phrasal verbs: How many do learners know and what facilitates this knowledge? System. 59, 29–44. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2016.04.004

[18] Zhan, J., Jiang, Y., 2024. Testing the unique item hypothesis with phrasal verbs in Chinese–English translations of Lu Xun's short stories: the perspective of translation directionality. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 11, 344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02814-y

[19] Sari, D., Sofwan, A., Kalisa, P., 2017. An Analysis of English Phrasal Verb Translation in Totto-Chan Novel: The Little Girl at The Window. Journal of English Language Teaching. 6(1), 18–28.

[20] Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., et al., 1985. A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman: London, UK.

[21] Darwin, C., Gray, L., 1999. Going after the phrasal verb: An alternative approach to classification. Tesol Quarterly. 33(1), 65–83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3588191

[22] Anggraeni, D., Sobarna, C., Maulia, L., et al., 2020. Separable and Inseparable Transitive Phrasal Verbs. Berumpun: International Journal of Social, Politics, and Humanities. 3(1), 39–58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33019/berumpun.v3i1.25

[23] Baker, M., 2011. In Other Words: A coursebook on translation, 2nd ed. Routledge: New York, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/target.24.1.19che

[24] Riguel, E., 2014. Phrasal verbs: Usage and acquisition. Athens Journal of Philology. 1(2), 111–126. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30958/ajp.1-2-3

[25] Laufer, B., Eliasson, S., 1993. What causes avoidance in L2 learning: L1-L2 difference, L1-L2 similarity, or L2 complexity. Studies in Second Language Acquisition. 15(1), 35–48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100011657

[26] Wei, Y., 2021. Use of English phrasal verbs of Chinese students across proficiency levels: a corpus-based analysis. International Journal of TESOL Studies. 3(4), 25–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2021.12.03

[27] Siyanova, A., Schmitt, N., 2007. Native and nonnative use of multi-word vs. one-word verbs. International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching. 45(2), 119–139. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/IRAL.2007.005

[28] Kleinmann, H., 1977. Avoidance behavior in adult second language acquisition. Language Learning. 27(1), 93–107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1977.tb00294.x

[29] Liao, Y., Fukuya, Y., 2004. Avoidance of phrasal verbs: the case of Chinese learners of English. Language Learning. 54(2), 193–226. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2004.00254.x

[30] Dajang, I., Gongse, J., 2024. Navigating the Linguistic Labyrinth: Challenges of Using Phrasal Verbs for L2 Learners. Journal of Literature and Education. 2(2), 101–110. DOI: https://doi.org/10.69815/jle.v2i2.67

[31] White, B., 2012. A Conceptual Approach to the Instruction of Phrasal Verbs. The Modern Language Journal. 96(3), 419–438. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2012.01365.x

[32] Lu, Z., Sun, J., 2015. A view of research on English polysemous phrasal verbs. Journal of Literature and Art Studies. 5(8), 649–659. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17265/2159-5836/2015.08.010

[33] Dagut, M., Laufer, B., 1985. Avoidance of phrasal verbs: a case for contrastive analysis. Studies in Second Language Acquisition. 7(1), 73–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100005167

[34] Ghabanchi, Z., Goudarzi, E., 2012. Avoidance of phrasal verbs in learner English: A study of Iranian students. World Journal of English Language. 2(2), 43–54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v2n2p43

[35] Rafah, A., Elraggas, A., 2024. The Difficulties of Translating English Phrasal Verbs into Arabic: The Case of Libyan EFL Graduate Translation Students at the Libyan Academy. Afaq Journal for Human and Applied Studies. 2, 428–454. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37376/ajhas.vi2.6861

[36] Moore Hanna, P., 2012. Learning phrasal verbs autonomously. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal. 3(2), 204–211. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37237/030207

[37] Abdul Rahman, Z., Abid, R., 2014. Rarity or non-existence of phrasal verbs in the written discourse of Omani student-teachers of English. SAGE Open. 4(4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014556988

[38] Kamarudin, R., 2014. A study on the use of phrasal verbs by Malaysian learners of English [Doctoral Thesis]. University of Birmingham: Birmingham, UK. Available from: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/4504 (cited 20 September 2024).

[39] Subramaniam, R., 2017. Conceptual Metaphor within Invariant Meaning: The Learning of Phrasal Verbs among Malaysian ESL Learners. International Journal of Social Sciences. 3(2), 1637–1659. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20319/pijss.2017.32.16371659

[40] Ryoo, M., 2013. A corpus-based study of the use of phrasal verbs in Korean EFL students' writing. Journal of Asia TEFL. 10(2), 63–89. Available from: http://journal.asiatefl.org/main/main.php?main = 1&sub=3&submode=2&PageMode=JournalList&inx_journals=36 (cited 29 September 2024).

[41] Algethami, G., Almalki, S., 2016. The Avoidance of using English phrasal verbs by EFL Saudi learners. Journal of the Faculty of Arts. 59(59), 3–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/artman.2016.152321

[42] Creswell, J., 2003. Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[43] Ndiaye, A., Ullah, F., Lebbada, D., et al., 2024. English Language Teaching & Saudi Arabia Vision (2030): A Critical Scrutiny. International Journal of Linguistics. 16(2), 28–41. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v16i2.21777

[44] Qarani, Z., 2023. Students' Difficulties in Translating Phrasal Verbs: A Case Study in Private Institution. Zanco Journal of Human Sciences. 27(6), 279–286. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21271/zjhs.27.6.17

[45] Cheon, Y., 2006. A pilot study in learning English phrasal verbs [Master Thesis]. University of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Available from: https://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/9147/1/cheonys_pitt2006.pdf (cited 20 November 2024).

[46] Creswell, J., 2012. Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research, 4th ed. Pearson: Boston, MA, USA.

[47] Alhumsi, M., 2024. Phonological Awareness Levels at Saudi Electronic University: An Investigation of Saudi EFL University Students' Perspectives. Pakistan Journal of Life & Social Sciences, 22(1), 3416-3431. DOI: https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.1.00249

[48] Eslick, C., Le Roux, M., Pottas, L., et al., 2020. Phonological awareness and speech perception: Skills of Grade 1 English second language learners. Reading & Writing-Journal of the Reading Association of South Africa. 11(1), 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/rw.v11i1.263

Downloads

How to Cite

Alhumsi, M. H., Belhassen, S., Alzobidy, S., & Hamda, A. (2025). Challenges in Translating English Phrasal Verbs: A gender case of EFL undergraduate students at Saudi Electronic University. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(7), 134–145. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i7.9837

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 7 (July 2025)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2025 Mohammad Husam Alhumsi, Saleh Belhassen, Soleman Alzobidy, Achwak Hamda

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.