THE REVIVAL OF TRANSLATION AS A CATALYST IN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Translation has witnessed a longstanding tradition and many fluctuations in the second language learning. At a time, it was regarded as an indispensable part of the Grammar Translation Method, and later it was banned in Direct and Audio-lingual Methods. Anyway, despite many accusations, translation has never completely left language classrooms and there have been increasing calls for its revival as a legitimate pedagogical tool in language learning in recent years. In this way, new approaches and attitudes toward it deem necessary. This paper considers translation as an inevitable part of language learning that can serve as a means of increasing language proficiency. This involves paying attention to some significant characteristics of translation in terms of its contribution in comprehending the foreign language, its inevitable part in learning other language skills, its capability of filling the cultural gaps through facilitating cultural communication, its use as a means of language learning rather than an end and its presence as a reflective, meaningful and authentic device. Approaching translation from the abovementioned perspectives will pave the way for new insights and attitudes toward it as a facilitator in the language learning process.

Keywords:

communicative competence , language learning , revival , translation