How to stop ESL learners from translating?

Torsten · Wed Sep 10, 2008 17:00 pm *How to stop ESL learners from translating?*

Hi,

I've often noticed that adult learners of English are constantly trying to translate what they hear into their mother tongue. In my opinion, this translation process burdens their brains and they can't keep up with what's being said. So I tried to make some suggestions on how to stop translating.

What do you think of them?
Many thanks,
Torsten
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TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

Mister Micawber · Wed Sep 17, 2008 14:33 pm *How to stop ESL learners from translating?*

.
Well, to be honest, that excerpt (part 17) seems to offer only one suggestion, Torsten: 'just relax'. Easily said, and I say it twice a day, but translating is more ingrained in adult learners than that-- saying 'relax' is just one more conscious rule they must follow.

No, I don't have an answer. I try to get them involved enough and communicating briskly enough at the appropriate level of challenge that translation is at least partially by-passed.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
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Torsten · Wed Sep 17, 2008 14:56 pm *How to stop ESL learners from translating?*

Hi Charles,

The first step for a learner of English to stop translating back and forth is to be aware of the subconscious translation process. Since the vast majority of all learners of English are not aware of the fact that they constantly try to translate into native language they can't avoid it. So this article is about raising awareness and trying to come up with solutions.
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

MrPedantic · Wed Sep 17, 2008 15:04 pm *How to stop ESL learners from translating?*

When learning a new language, I find it helps to associate new words with thoughts and images, rather than the equivalent English words. But I expect that's a common experience.

MrP

Mister Micawber · Wed Sep 17, 2008 15:07 pm *How to stop ESL learners from translating?*

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Hell, there's nothing subconscious about my students' translation-- often, it's not even silent!
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

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