Languaging in Translation Tasks Used in a University Setting: Particular Potential for Student Agency?
Author
Summary, in English
This paper explores the value of judiciously used L1-to-L2 translation in meaning-focused, advanced-level academic language (L2) education. It examines the teacher-led discourse (TLD) arising when translation tasks were used and compares it to the TLD engendered when four other grammar-focused tasks were used with three different groups of students within a functioning university course in English at a Swedish university. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of audio-recorded lessons revealed that, when translation was used, (i) there were particularly high levels of student-initiated referential questions that break the initiation-response-feedback (IRF) pattern, whereas (ii) there was a less-frequent focus on targeted L2 grammar as student attention tended to be drawn to vocabulary. Qualitative analysis of teacher scaffolding suggests that the teacher used translation to create a forum for student-centered discussion of various aspects of English language use in order to meet one of the course goals. The relatively strong presence of student-initiated interaction suggests that translation may have particular potential to engender student involvement and attention. It is argued that translation therefore may have an important yet limited place in academic-level language education where knowledge of the L1 is shared.
Department/s
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Pages
217-238
Publication/Series
Modern Language Journal
Volume
97
Issue
1
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Topic
- Languages and Literature
Keywords
- translation
- translation tasks
- languaging
- student agency
- classroom interaction
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1540-4781