Indonesian-Arabic Interference in Translating Theses Abstracts: A Case Study of PBA Students at UIN Padangsidimpuan

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the interference of Indonesian in Arabic translation among students of the Arabic Language Education program, focusing on morphological, syntactic, and lexical errors. The research employed quantitative, qualitative, and descriptive approaches, with data collected through a document study of students’ theses translated from Indonesian into Arabic. The analysis was conducted to identify the types of errors, their frequency, and the underlying factors affecting translation quality. The findings indicate that Indonesian interference occurs at multiple linguistic levels, affecting the coherence, cohesion, and stylistic appropriateness (Uslub) of the translated texts. Morphological errors included word-for-word translation, incorrect verb conjugation, and gender disagreement; syntactic errors involved word order, misuse of conjunctions, and improper clause combination; while lexical errors consisted of inappropriate word choice, literal translation of idiomatic expressions, and inaccurate use of technical terms. These results underscore the need for targeted training in linguistic rules, stylistic norms, and discourse practice, alongside the development of cultural and pragmatic awareness. The study concludes that Indonesian interference significantly influences Arabic translation, manifesting at morphological, syntactic, and lexical levels.