Translation and language learning - Claire Ellender

TL;DR

This analysis discusses a study on the potential of using translation as a teaching and assessing strategy for Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in secondary schools in England.

Transcript

okay thank you firstly to kirsten and anthony whose study was obviously very interesting and uh there is a considerable link between uh what they have just presented to us this afternoon and a study which i was involved in earlier this year so i firstly proposed to give a very brief summary of the study i was involved in uh respond to a number of q... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🏫 There has been a significant decrease in the uptake of MFL in English secondary schools due to various factors, including the non-compulsory nature of MFL and the perceived difficulty of the subject.
• 🧑‍🏫 Translation can be employed as a strategy for teaching and assessing MFL, with potential benefits in teaching grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and improving communicative competence.
• 🧑‍🎓 The effectiveness of translation as a language teaching strategy may vary based on students' proficiency levels, with more advanced students exhibiting greater interest and potential for using translation effectively.
• 🧑‍🏫 Including translation in the language teaching curriculum and providing teachers with resources, training, and a communicative approach to translation can enhance its usage and effectiveness.
• 🥺 Viewing translation as a communicative activity and emphasizing its role in intercultural competence can lead to a favorable perception of translation as a language teaching strategy.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the decline in MFL uptake in English secondary schools affect the international job market?

The decrease in MFL uptake negatively impacts the international job market as it results in a reduced pool of bilingual professionals who can effectively communicate with global partners and clients.

Q: Can translation contribute to effective language learning at all levels?

Yes, translation can contribute to effective language learning at all levels. It can be used for various purposes such as vocabulary building, reading comprehension, and improving communicative competence.

Q: Is translation included in the language teaching curriculum?

Translation is part of advanced level syllabi used by respondents in the study. However, even if not formally included, teachers expressed interest in using translation as they found it challenging and well-received by advanced level students.

Q: How can translation as a method of language learning be made more attractive to students?

Students find translation attractive and motivating when they perceive it as a challenging and rewarding activity. It can be made more attractive by emphasizing its role in precision, deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary fluency, stimulating discussions, and exam preparation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The study examines the decline in MFL uptake in English secondary schools and explores the possibility of using translation to revive the popularity of MFL.

• Questionnaires were used to gather insights from teachers, who acknowledged the potential of translation in teaching grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and improving communicative competence.

• The study found that translation can be an effective language teaching strategy, especially for more advanced students, but its usage and perception varied among teachers.