Translation as a Technique in Foreign Language Acquisition

Abstract

Translation As A Technique In Foreign Language Acquisition

Introduction
Translation in a layman's definition is the act of rendering in another lan-
guage what already exists in a given language. The translation in question
here is of course inter-lingual and not intra-lingual nor inter-semiotic (see
Kelly 1979). This paper will not attempt to state or argue whether this act
of rendering is an 'art or a 'science'. Rather, it sees it as a technique in the
sense that translation is done in schools as a discipline in Modern Euro
pean Languages Departments. It is in this perspective that the present
paper will look at the learning and teaching of foreign languages. It
actually pinpoints translation as a technique by bringing out specifically its
main functions in the acquisition of a foreign language.

Theories and practice of translation have been. propounded and expounded,
however, with much emphasis on professional translation. Very little has
been done on pedagogic translation what Vinay and Darbelnet (1958: 24)
regard as 'traduction scolaire' or simply translation done in schools.
Students' attitude and motivation towards learning a foreign language can
change tremendously if they are made to realise the aims and objectives of
the translation study. The discussions that follow aim at bringing out the
main objectives of translation as a technique for acquiring any foreign
language. The discussions are based on three main areas, viz. acquisition
process, language proficiency and verification.