Translation Didactics: The Teaching of Translation in the Departments of Foreign Languages Case of Master’s Two EFL, LS Students at the University of Tlemcen

Abstract

Teaching translation in foreign language classes has become a regular activity in Algerian universities. Meanwhile, there are numerous suspicions about the impact of teaching translation in foreign language classes, whether it affects it positively or negatively. Nevertheless, the posed problem is the re-evaluation of the currently adopted teaching method, which is the grammar-translation method to ensure its efficacy. This method is based on its work on writing and neglects the verbal aspect, which causes a loss of communicative competence. The research aimed to attain the opinions of teachers and Master’s students of the English language at Abu Baker Belkaid University of Tlemcen toward the inclusion of translation as a module for EFL students, and their views about the method of teaching translation in foreign language Department. To attain this aim, an exploratory case study was conducted in the same Department. The data collected from the research tools; the students’ questionnaires and the teachers' interviews were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The triangulation of results revealed that it is necessary to teach translation in FL classes. Additionally, the research displayed that language mediation is the appropriate method of teaching translation to FL students instead of the grammar-translation method. Consequently, the teaching of translation may provide several advantages to both students and teachers in the EFL classroom.