A tradução como quinta habilidade no ensino de LE

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present translation as another skill to be developed in the FL classroom, as well as, to demonstrate through translational activities that the use of translation helps to expand knowledge in the foreign language and to develop the autonomy of learners in the pursuit and choice of meaning, so that they also understand the cultural, in addition to the linguistic, aspects of each word and phrase for proper use in FL (BRANCO, 2010). To achieve these objectives, the research was organized into two distinct but complementary stages. First, teachers answered an investigative questionnaire, with the intention of evaluating preconceived notions regarding the use of translation in the FL classroom. Next, translational activities were conducted with the intention to confirm or refute the opinions expressed through the questionnaires. Observing the results of the implementation of the activities, we found, in the first instance, that the use of translational activities in FL classrooms promotes the development of the student’s language skills, bringing him to a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the second language. These observations are contrary to the still present error held by teachers, as revealed through the analysis of the questionnaires, that translational activities in the FL classroom would not enhance a FL apprentice’s linguistic development.