French Language: Don't just teach it, translate it

Translation as a French Language Teaching Tool
Translation can be controversial when it comes to language teaching. Yet, as a former French language teacher in my youth, some of the best and unforgettable teaching moments came with the use of translation.
Not Every Word Has Its Equivalent
in Another Language
The use of classroom translation with children might be counterproductive. Why is that? Because it makes students believe that every language has an equivalent word in its target language. Something that every translator (and French language teacher!) knows that it is far from true. However, it may be difficult to completely avoid translation with early-stage learners, especially when it comes to adults, since they are already able to express themselves using more sophisticated vocabulary. However, demonstrating what problems a "literal" translation brings can be a good teaching tool at basic and intermediate levels. It could help demonstrate not only the complexity of L1 (first language) and L2 (second language or non-native language) and the importance of understanding context and culture, along with grammar and vocabulary.
Benefits of Translation Are Significant at Proficient Levels
The pedagogical benefits of translation are even more significant at advanced levels as a tool to explore the complexities of the language and culture of texts that vary in type, perspective, and purpose.

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