In Defense of Translation

概要

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The present paper discusses the problem of using L1 and translation as teaching aids in foreign language learning. By contrasting two methods of teaching English in an EFL class, the grammar translation method and the direct method, the article argues that whereas the direct method may be effective in small classes of motivated learners, the specific learning mechanism of adult students imposes the need to relate to their own culture and, which is more important, to relate to their native language through translation. Moreover, by stressing the importance of considering the influence of socio-political and cultural factors upon student motivation and performance in foreign language acquisition, the article pleads for more flexibility in the use of L1 in order to reach the specific goals of foreign language learning.