Translation And Interpreting for Language Learners An introduction

The prominent role of translation is reflected on the one hand by the constant growth of translator and interpreter training institutions around the world, on the other, by the renewed attention which translation has attracted not only in dedicated settings such as interpreter and translator training institutions, but also in academic language teaching settings more generally. The activities and reflections provided in this volume are a result of the contributors’ academic experience, in their classes and with their students. The attempt is to take a “learner-centred” approach by providing suggestions about how students can be given opportunities to both practice and observe (Aston, 1988b) problems that arise when interacting in and/or comparing different languages for the purpose of communicating across cultures. The teaching/learning activities presented are offered “as examples” and are aimed at stimulating thought about other possible activities that can be created or adapted, using the same or different languages and language combinations.