Translation is a complex endeavour that is particularly challenging for novice translators. Scholars in Translation Studies (TS), including Campbell, Delisle, and Kiraly, agree that translating from a familiar language (L1) to a less familiar one (L2) is especially difficult without adequate translation competence (TC). Although many studies show that L2 translations may be more challenging, leading to unacceptable translation outcomes, translating into all directions can present challenges. The question now is “what specific factors can impede the translator trainees’ task particularly when they translate from a more familiar language into a less familiar one?” The aim of this article is to answer the question above. Drawing on data from an earlier evidence-based study, this article addresses the research question. Method-wise, a convergent parallel mixed-method approach was adopted to collect and integrate both the quantitative and the qualitative datasets. A test was given to 15 bachelor’s students of French at the Benue State University, Makurdi-Nigeria, using the Gile’s (2004) Integrated Problem and Decision Reporting (IPDR)

model, which is a process-orientated protocol in translation research.

While an error analysis was carried out on the participants’ test using Granger and Lefer’s (2021) Translation-oriented Annotation System (TAS), NVivo was used to analyse their IPDR reports based on Hurtado Albir and Rodríguez-Inés’ (2023) problem typology.

Results showed participants had translation problems relating to linguistic, extralinguistic, textual and intentionality-related factors as well as problems related to the working condition. These problems impacted negatively on the quality of their translation from English into French, thus compromising the intended purpose of the translation.

In particular, the problems led to miscommunication, cultural faux pas, loss of tone and inconsistencies in the TT, suggesting that there is a critical need for targeted pedagogical intervention not just to improve students’ translation quality but to boost their translation competences.