Investigating the Role of Translation in Learning English as a Foreign Language

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the role of translationin learning English as a foreign language. The study adopted the descriptive analytical method, the researcher collected the data by using diagnostic test for (50) students of the Sudan University of Science and Technology, Third Year students of English Language, in the College of Languages. To analyze the data the researcher has used the Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS). The findings of the study have revealed that utilizing translation as a learning tool can produce such an indescribable impact on the level of learning. Furthermore, when it comes to doing exercises based on translation skills, they perform very poorly at first , however as they proceeded with more exercise their standards have gone up so remarkably. In light of the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that the textbooks need to include translation activities that satisfy the students communicative needs; in addition, teachers should encourage students to participate and express their ideas in English. Moreover, teachers should raise the students’ awareness about the importance of oral skills in the process of foreign language learning.