How important is translation in language learning?http://www.learnhotenglish.com/pdfs/free-lessons/translation_HE152.mp3
Can translation
help you learn a language? Or is it a complete waste of time? There are arguments on both sides of the
debate.
Against using
translation
The best way to learn a language is to read it, listen to it and use it. By doing translation exercises, you’ll have less time for these useful activities. Translating can turn you into a lazy learner. When you come across a word you aren’t sure of, it’s better to try to guess the meaning rather than looking up the translation. Studies have shown that if you make an effort to understand the meaning of a word, you’ll remember it more easily. If you really do need to check the meaning of a word, find a definition of it in English and read that. This will help you start to think in English – an important step in language acquisition.
The best way to learn a language is to read it, listen to it and use it. By doing translation exercises, you’ll have less time for these useful activities. Translating can turn you into a lazy learner. When you come across a word you aren’t sure of, it’s better to try to guess the meaning rather than looking up the translation. Studies have shown that if you make an effort to understand the meaning of a word, you’ll remember it more easily. If you really do need to check the meaning of a word, find a definition of it in English and read that. This will help you start to think in English – an important step in language acquisition.
Translating when you’re speaking in a
conversation is counterproductive. For a
start, there’s no time. Conversations are mostly spontaneous, dynamic and fast-paced. People will soon lose patience if you start
trying to translate. When you’re speaking, it’s better to explain things with
the words you already know. For example, if you can’t remember the word for “hammer”, try to explain what it
means: “The thing you use to hit a nail when you’re putting up a picture”. The
same is true when you’re writing – use the language you know and avoid
translating, or you’ll end up producing text that doesn’t make much sense.
In favour of using
translation
Translation is a useful strategy for learners of all levels. For beginners, it’s a useful platform to base their new language on. For other levels, it’s a quick and effective way to find out what a word means. Why spend minutes trying to understand or explain a word when you can look up the translation in a question of seconds? Translating can be fun, too. There are lots of great ways to use translation to help you learn a language. For example, you could work out the translation of short pieces of text such as newspaper headlines, slogans, everyday expressions, film taglines or signs in English. Or you could discuss with a colleague how to translate useful idioms or phrases, focusing on translating the overall meaning, not the individual words.
Translation is a useful strategy for learners of all levels. For beginners, it’s a useful platform to base their new language on. For other levels, it’s a quick and effective way to find out what a word means. Why spend minutes trying to understand or explain a word when you can look up the translation in a question of seconds? Translating can be fun, too. There are lots of great ways to use translation to help you learn a language. For example, you could work out the translation of short pieces of text such as newspaper headlines, slogans, everyday expressions, film taglines or signs in English. Or you could discuss with a colleague how to translate useful idioms or phrases, focusing on translating the overall meaning, not the individual words.
Reverse translating can be beneficial too.
And it’s easy to do. First, create a list of useful sentences – the sort of
language you need when you’re talking. You could find these in audio scripts of
conversations in English. For example, “I went to the cinema / She’s bought a new car / They’re going to
leave at six.” Then, translate these sentences into your language.
Later, cover up the original English sentences, read over your translations and
try to translate them back into English.
Do you think
translation has a part to play in language learning?