Translation As A Learning Method In English Language Teaching

Abstract

Translation has a long love and hate relationship in teaching and learning English where it has been ignored as an effective exercise of language practice and improvement .This question has been discussed in various applications of educational language methodologies for decades. The aim of the study was to investigate the views of teachers on the use of Arabic as the first language in teaching and learning English. In addition, this study aimed at discovering the similarities and differences in the ways teachers and students perceive the use of Arabic as the first language in the English language classes, and the different situations that led to the use of teachers’ mother tongue in the activities of English classes. A questionnaire was conducted to identify the views of some English teachers at various levels and students on the use of translation as a pedagogical tool for English as a foreign language. The majority of the results of the questionnaire were positive for both teachers and students. They preferred to use translation in teaching and learning English. Some maintain the legitimacy of their use because they believe that they are harmful to their course in teaching and learning English. It can be said through the research that the use of translation in teaching English depends on moderate and appropriate use during the course.