Publication Date
3-1-2005
Abstract
Inexperienced students of foreign languages often equate learning a language with translation. Armed with a bilingual dictionary, students convert their sophisticated English thoughts into tortured German, French, or Spanish. The widespread use of computer translation Web sites has only compounded this problem. Students’ reliance on translation as a primary strategy for foreign language learning reveals some fundamental misconceptions about language and translation. Standard 4.1 of the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (1999) states that comparisons of the target and native languages can help students better understand the language learning process and the limitations of translation. Ironically, computer translation Web sites can serve as a vehicle to accomplish these objectives. This article discusses attitudes towards computer translation and provides a brief history of the field. Examples of the limitations of computer translation programs are given. Finally, several classroom activities that ask students to use computer translation Web sites to solve specific language problems common to firstyear students of the most commonly taught languages in the United States are provided.
Recommended Citation
Alley, David C.
(2005)
"Using Computer Translation Websites to Further the Objectives of the Foreign Language Standards,"
Dimensions: Vol. 40, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/dimensions/vol40/iss1/6