Double translation is a method explained by Roger Ascham, a renaissance humanist who was tutor to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) herself an accomplished linguist, in his treatise “The Schoolmaster” (1570).
He derives the method from Cicero and recommends it as one which will rapidly lead to “a true choice and placing of words, a right ordering of sentences, an easy understanding of the tongue, a readiness to speak, a faculty to write, a true judgement, both of his own and other men’s doings, what tongue so ever he does use.”
This is quite a dramatic promise to any language learner, and I have found that this method does deliver amazing results if it is practiced consistently and diligently. Language Learning…
The method assumes that you have a competent teacher, but it can also be used for self-study with a little adjustment.
- The teacher explains the passage to be translated, giving its background, purpose, drawing attention to peculiarities of style and carefully explaining any new vocabulary or grammatical structures.
- The student then translates it to the best of his ability into English and hands it in for the teacher to correct – this could be done in class to lighten the load on busy teachers.
- The following day, the student takes his corrected English translation and turns it back into the original language and then compares that with the original from which he started.
Regular use of this method will make students attentive to structural and phrasal details, enabling them to develop an excellent. It can also be employed to translate between languages that the student knows is studying, allowing them to develop a keen ear for the unique cadences of each language and begin to think in them rather than mentally translating everything to English first.
This method is beneficial for language learners of all levels, as material for translation can be selected from any source, provided it exemplifies good style.
The Double Translation Method is an effective language-learning technique that focuses on improving comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. It involves translating a text from the target language into your native language and then translating it back into the target language. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
Steps for the Double Translation Method
- Choose a Text
- Select a text in your target language that matches your current skill level.
- It can be a news article, a short story, or even a dialogue.
- First Translation (Target Language → Native Language)
- Carefully translate the text into your native language.
- Pay attention to sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Use a dictionary or translator for unfamiliar words but try to understand the context.
- Review and Understand
- Compare your translation to the original text.
- Note any differences in meaning or nuance.
- Second Translation (Native Language → Target Language)
- Put the original text aside.
- Translate your version (in your native language) back into the target language.
- Aim for accuracy but also try to maintain natural-sounding expressions.
- Compare and Correct
- Compare your second translation to the original target language text.
- Identify errors in vocabulary, grammar, or style.
- Learn from your mistakes and refine your understanding.
- Repeat Regularly
- Practice with different types of texts and gradually increase the difficulty.
- Consistency is key to mastering this method.
Benefits of the Double Translation Method
- Enhanced Vocabulary: Reinforces words and phrases by using them in context.
- Improved Grammar: Deepens understanding of sentence structure in the target language.
- Critical Thinking: Encourages analysing language from multiple perspectives.
- Writing Skills: Helps in forming natural and grammatically correct sentences.
- Memory Retention: Repetition through translation aids long-term memory.
Tips for Success
- Start Small: Begin with short, simple texts before moving to complex materials.
- Focus on Quality: Take your time with each translation to ensure accuracy.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, have a native speaker or tutor review your work.
- Use Parallel Texts: For beginners, texts with side-by-side translations can help.
- Combine with Other Methods: Pair this technique with speaking, listening, and grammar exercises for well-rounded learning.
