Translation Skill in Language Learning/ Teaching: EFL Learners' Point of View

This study seeks to investigate EFL students' perception of the benefits of translationas a skill for their language learning instead of as a mere tool in the learning process, and the relevance of a translation course in their study program. Ninety-five Indonesian university students of an English Department taking an EFL teacher training program participated in this study by filling in a questionnaire using a four point Likert scale with items consisting of complementary open and closed ended questions. The responses show an overwhelming favorable response towards the merits of translation as a skill for their L2 language learning regardless of their L2 (English) proficiency, which was represented by their GPA. Most participants also believed that a translation course is very relevant to their study although translation is not an intended career path for the program's graduates. This study further challenges the belief that translation is harmful for learners' language acqusition and therefore should be avoided in language learning/ teaching