he Use of Translation in the Learning Process of EFL.

Abstract

Translation has long played a controversial role in English learning, and the use of the first language in learning English as a foreign language classes has always been discussed. Some research supports the idea of its inclusion while most language educators are completely against the use of translation in language classrooms and some others still claim that it should be used for certain purposes. This study analyzes learners' reaction to the use of translation as a second language learning strategy, in the aim of showing the pedagogical effect of translation. To do so, the study employed quantitative and qualitative methods. For the quantitative part, a questionnaire was conducted to 40 first year bachelor students of English as a foreign language at Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret in order to gather information about the realities around the use of translation as a pedagogical tool. For the qualitative part, random sessions were attended with students in classroom to investigate the different attitudes and behaviors of both teachers and students of English as a foreign language towards translation, and how can this tool affect English as foreign language learning. The findings showed that translation is seen to be not beneficial for most students. So, we highly recommend avoiding the first language uses in English classes and maintain it only as a last resort.