These days, language teaching based on translation and grammar has largely been eschewed for livelier oral methods that often attempt to ban any intrusion from the learners’ native tongue(s.)
A recent article from guardian.co.uk, entitled “Learners are getting lost without translation skills,” goes against recent teaching practices by defending the role of translation in language learning. The article focuses on adult English learners in Germany, who often need to translate informally between German and English for professional purposes – but who rarely study the process.
“All of these industry professionals – the backbone of the German economy – are required to practise a skill in which they have received little or no formal training,” explains Maurice Claypole. “They have attained a reasonable degree of proficiency in spoken English through a succession of language courses that routinely promote the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, but tend to neglect the fifth skill, that of translation.”
Language teachers are sharply divided on what, if any, role translation should play in foreign language learning. One thing is clear, though: in order to carry out professional quality translation, either specific training or intensive practice is necessary.
Although Language Translation, Inc.
in San Diego, California is specialized in legal, medical, technical
and business
translation, we keep up with all of the latest translation news – and are pleased to share it with you on this blog. Our company has provided translation
and interpreting to US and international companies for over twenty years. “We speak your language – and theirs.”
Betty Carlson | 
