ABSTRACT
In Arabic as in English, the nominal group is an important carrier of meaning. Tunisian EFL learners face the challenge of translating nominal groups from English to Arabic. The present study proposes to test the hypothesis that the lack of equivalence in experiential classification and pattern of modification across the languages accounts for the problems EFL learners encounter in the translation of this structure. To test this hypothesis, the study participants were required to translate a set of nominal groups into Arabic and English. Participants’ performance was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. The results have demonstrated the adequacy of Systemic Functional Linguistics in dealing with an applied linguistic issue. They have also shown that the structural shift/equivalence hypothesis should be treated in relative terms because semantic and cognitive factors are also good predictors of participants’ performance.
