Translation in Language Teaching

Oxford Applied Linguistics

by Guy Cook

A groundbreaking reconsideration of translation in English language teaching, this book is a survey and critical assessment of arguments for and against translation in different teaching contexts. This book proposes translation as one of a number of ways of relating English to students own languages. It surveys the contexts of monolingual and bilingual teaching and discusses the different uses and roles of translation and bilingualisation for different stages and ages of learning and for different purposes, e.g. explanation, practice, and testing. Establishing a new direction in practice and research, it goes on to suggest and discuss ways in which translation might be incorporated into materials, curriculum development, and teacher education.The book presents translation as: An aid to language acquisition, pedagogy, and testing.A contribution to student needs, rights, and empowerment.An educational insight into relationships between languages and cultures.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2010

About the author

Guy Cook is Professor of Language and Education at the Open University, UK. He was formerly Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading (1998-2004) and head of TESOL at the London University Institute of Education (1991-1998). He was co-editor of the journal Applied Linguistics 2004-2009. He is current Chair of the British Association for Applied Linguistics, and an academician of the UK Academy of the Social Sciences. He has published extensively on applied linguistics, discourse analysis, English language teaching, literary stylistics, advertising, and the language of environmental debate. He has been an invited speaker in over 30 countries.

Reviews

[M2t2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In depth discussion about bilingualism and translation. Reinforces my Ed leave plan to learn Chinese!