EFL Learners’ Use of Translation as a Learning Strategy

EFL Learners’ Use of Translation as a Learning Strategy

Abstract It is generally known that language learners use some strategies to learn a new language. Cognitive strategies as one of language learning strategies are mostly used by learners who study a foreign language to improve their skills. As one of the cognitive strategies, translation is used in learning a language by foreign language learners. Although some teachers and researchers present negative attitudes towards the use of this strategy in teaching a language, some put emphasis on the necessity and the role of translation in the development of learning.  In order to understand whether learners use translation as a learning strategy in learning English, this study investigated 159 students’ opinions about the use of it.  The participants were attending at a preparatory class in a state university and their ages ranged between 18 and 34. The questionnaire was comprised of some information concerning the students’ gender and education background and translation strategy use. The findings of the data were statistically analyzed and necessary pedagogical implications were given.

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