The Role of Translation in Enhancing the Teaching and Learning of Speaking and Writing.

Abstract

Controversial issue was the role of translation in the classroom of English as a foreign (EFL) or English as a second language (ESL). Supporters of the bilingual approach have suggested that use of L1 in L2 helps students learn L2, but supporters of monolingual approach have suggested that using the target language in L2 alone makes learning a target language easier and stimulates students thinking as well as competence in L2. This study discusses how much Arabic teachers in English classrooms use translation in Slimane Bouabdellaoui high school in Berrouaghia, Medea, and classroom of 3rd year foreign language stream. It also discusses the situations in which it is useful in language learning and teaching foreign languages. According to the study, most instructors prefer to use translation because it is effective in certain situations, such as clarifying new vocabulary, discussing grammatical issues, teaching idiomatic expressions, explaining reading passages, comparing and contrasting L1 and L2 as well as testing student's reading and listening comprehension.