Translation as English language teaching methodology-to teach or not to teach!

الملخص EN

It is widely assumed that the main objective of second language teaching is to concentrate the particular features of the second language in order to get the learners’ attention on the theoretical aspect of the language, and to get them as proficient as possible in comparison to a native speaker.

In other word, teachers should avoid any reference to the learners’ first language as it might cause distraction and disruption to the learning process.

However, translation can be understood as general interpretative activity that is always involved in the process of comprehension of the pragmatic meaning not only within one language but also across languages.

It is an alternative way to language learning through engaging students in the pragmatic process and in making meaning regardless of the learning form.

Consequently, the aim and objectives of learning a second language would be measured not only on how learners are close to native speaker competency but also through the learners’ capability for using linguistic resources to pragmatic effect.