LEXICOLOGICAL CHALLENGES CONFRONTED BY STUDENTS MAJOR IN LEGAL ENGLISH

Abstract

Legal English is characterized by complex vocabulary, including derivational, semantic, and syntactic challenges, as well as the cultural and historical nuances embedded in legal terminology. This study investigated the challenges faced by legal English major students learning legal English, particularly focusing on legal lexicology. To explore these challenges, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining 62 quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews with 15 legal English majors at Hanoi Law University. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v.27 and ATLAS.ti v.25 software to assess comprehension, usage, and cultural influences on legal vocabulary. The findings revealed that the participants struggled with understanding specialized terminology, syntactic complexity, and the lack of direct translations between their native language and English legal terms. Besides, they also experienced difficulties in academic performance and lacked confidence in practical legal scenarios, but not much with the familiarity of Latin terms. The study concluded that targeted pedagogical strategies, such as analyzed glossaries, seminars, and syntax training, were necessary to bridge these gaps, and students would benefit from overcoming the inherent complexities of legal lexicology to better prepare them for academic and professional success in legal English.