Tsvetomira Hristova Ivanova
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Department of Japanese Studies. Chief Assistant Professor

Printed vs Online Japanese Language Dictionaries and Study Applications: The Case of Sofia University Japanese Studies Students

The present study investigated the process of translating Japanese texts (expressions and words) in Japanese language classes or at University state exams into English and/or Bulgarian language by non-native English speakers - Sofia University Japanese studies BA students, and more precisely the actual recourses used for the process of translation.

Upon entering University students are given a tour of the University library. They are (later, when their level of language allows for it) given another tour and instructed/taught how to use printed dictionaries available at the Japanese studies library.

However, according to the questionnaire presented in this study, students significantly prefer online translation recourses over the freely available at the library printed ones. Moreover, almost every one of them has their personal preferences, making the list of utilized online recourses an endless one. 

It is also important to note that in order to complete their class tasks and eventually University education, Bulgarian Japanese studies students are only able to use translation recourses in languages different from Bulgarian since there are almost none of the above published/created in Bulgarian language.

Bulgarian University students face significant problems with translation from the Japanese language into Bulgarian due to the lack of both printed and online dictionaries (translation recourses) in their native language and rely mainly on English language online recourses in order to complete their tasks.