Translation in the Teaching of a Foreign Language As a Means and As an End

Translation in the Teaching of a Foreign Language As a Means and As an End

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Abstract: In the history of foreign language teaching translation has alternately been praised and condemned.Unfortunately, the praise and condemnation were based on a rather simplistic, biased, and extreme view of the role of translation.In this view no clear, explicit distinction was made between translation as a means and as an end although in practice people already showed a tendency to be more concerned with one aspect than the other.

Moreover, in their treatment of translation sequal eclipse 5 battery people tended to take an "either.or." position.

Either take it or leave it.This paper proposes a more explicit, balanced, and moderate attitude towards translation and its two aspects.It is suggested that a clear distinction be made between translation as a means and as an end and that each be treated accordingly in a better programmed way.

The treatment should consider the level of instruction.At the beginning level translation should be treated more as a means than as an end.Gradually, as the level of instruction progresses the role of translation as a means is reduced, while its role as an end is increased so that at the more advanced levels translation will be treated more as an end than as a means.

Accordingly, translation should not be totally abandoned or too liberally used.However, the use and disuse should be based on a careful and well-prepared program.In line with the idea that translation be treated as an end at the itsmajorlook.com more advanced level, and considering its importance for a developing nation, it is also proposed here that translating be adopted as a "fifth skill" to be pursued.