Back Translation as an Integrated Tool of Language Teaching

Abstract

Translation had been an important part of ELT for a long time but unfortunately it has also become an unjustifiably neglected area in FLT; its possible advantages have not been properly exploited in the teaching process. As a result of the development of teaching methodologies, translation has gradually lost its importance along with other ‘traditional' tools such as dictation, reading aloud and drills and has become largely ignored by the communicative methods. I have been teaching at the local grammar school, and since I was employed as an English teacher, I have experienced that modern translation activities have clear communicative aims, show high motivation levels and can produce impressive communicative results. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential benefits of using translation language teaching as an integral part of classroom activities.