Translation activities in the language classroom
Translation was a significant part of ELT for a long time, and then a significant missing part for a long time also. With the arrival and then total dominance of communicative methodologies, translation was quickly consigned to the past, along with other ‘traditional' tools such as dictation, reading aloud and drills. However, it and these other abandoned activities are now a feature of many communicative classrooms and successful aids to learning, although the approach to using them has changed. Modern translation activities usually move from L1 to L2, (although the opposite direction can also be seen in lessons with more specific aims), have clear communicative aims and real cognitive depth, show high motivation levels and can produce impressive communicative results.
Many ELT teachers and theorists now see the validity and value of translation as an activity in communicative classrooms. Below are some of the ways translations can have a positive impact:
· Designed well, translation activities in the classroom can practise the 4 skills
and the 4 systems. In terms of communicative competence, they require accuracy, clarity and flexibility. They train the reader to search (flexibility) for the most appropriate words (accuracy) to convey what is meant (clarity).
· Translation is by its nature a highly communicative activity; the challenge is
to make sure that the content being communicated is relevant and that we exploit all possibilities for communication during the activity.
· Translation is a real-life, natural activity and increasingly necessary in a
global environment. Many learners living in either their own countries or a new one need to translate language on a daily basis, both informally and formally. This is even more important with the growing importance of online information.
· Teachers can focus translation activities on highly specific learning aims,
such as practice of certain vocabulary, grammar points, styles and registers, etc. It also lends itself well to work with other tools such as e-mail and class web pages.
Finally, for many learners developing skills in translation is a natural and logical part of reaching higher levels, and being able to do this well is highly motivating.
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/knowing-subject/articles/translation-activities-language
abridged version