Abstract:
Translation is considered as a traditional methodology of teaching and learning
a foreign language as a second language. It encourages the L2 learner to think in
one language and transform into another by acting as a mediator. This
fundamental process of teaching and learning a foreign language (L2) which
enables the L2 learner to understand similarities and differences between two
languages was initiated to learn classical languages such as Latin and Greek. This
research focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of using Translation as a
method of learning & teaching a foreign language (L2). Translation has been
traditionally used to teach grammar. It allows the teacher to depict equivalent
and non-equivalent structures between the first language (L1) and the foreign
language (L2). Many practical benefits could be gained through the process of
translation that improves the new language (L2) ability. Through this method,
L2 learner's language skills could be developed by applying the classroom gained
knowledge such as grammar, composition, and interpretation of texts in a
practical manner. This is one of the most prevalent beliefs among language
learners (L2 learners) and language teachers as well. However as any other
method, there are positive aspects as well as negative aspects of using translation
in language teaching and learning (L2) since it's a process that handles two
different languages (Ll and L2) which represent two different socio-cultural
identities. In conclusion, this research proves that translation is an accepted,
widely used, successful method in teaching and learning a foreign language (L2).
