Translation and language learning - Anthony Pym

TL;DR

Research suggests that the use of translation in language learning can be beneficial, as evidenced by higher language proficiency in countries like Finland and Croatia. However, the concept of translation varies across different countries.

Transcript

Thank you, Kirsten. I'm not going to talk about statistics at all. I'm going to talk about science and research and how you do experiments. Read this week's The Economist. What happens when you tell researchers what they're supposed to find - even for the noblest of causes. Research can go out and find things we don't expect to find, and that some ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🔬 Research challenges the prevailing prejudice against translation in language learning.
• 🔇 Translation is not effective for developing fluency or becoming a native-like speaker.
• 😒 The use of translation varies across countries, with some achieving higher language proficiency by employing translation more extensively.
• 😘 Germany's high language proficiency despite low translation use can be attributed to the shift in translation concept and terminology.

Questions & Answers

Q: How was it proven that translation is detrimental to language learning?

In the US in the 1980s, a study showed that Spanish-speaking students failed to learn English when everything the teacher said was translated into Spanish, indicating that relying solely on translation inhibits language acquisition.

Q: Are the research findings conclusive in proving the effectiveness of translation in language learning?

The findings suggest correlations between the use of translation and language proficiency, but they do not provide a definitive answer. The complex nature of language education makes it challenging to isolate variables.

Q: Why do some countries with higher language proficiency scores utilize translation more in their classrooms?

The research indicates that countries like Finland and Croatia, which score well in language learning, also use translation more extensively. However, translation is not the sole factor contributing to their success, as there are likely other educational and cultural variables at play.

Q: Why does Germany have high language proficiency despite using translation minimally?

The explanation lies in a shift in the concept of translation in Germany. The term "translation" has been replaced by "mediation" (Sprachmittlung), indicating a narrower understanding and use of translation. This shift in terminology could account for Germany's high language proficiency despite minimal translation use.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Research challenges the prevailing prejudice against translation in language learning, citing a study conducted in the US in the 1980s that showed translation hindered English learning for Spanish-speaking students.

• The complexity of education and language learning makes it difficult to isolate variables in research, but statistical analysis reveals a correlation between the use of translation in the classroom and language proficiency.

• Some countries, like Finland and Croatia, which utilize translation more, demonstrate higher language learning success rates, while countries like France and Spain, where translation is not heavily used, have lower language proficiency.