From the Novice Speaker to the Translator: the Benefits of Reflexivity Training in Second Language Learning

Abstract

Language-culture didactics and translation didactics approach the subject of translation in different ways. However, by situating comprehension and translation skills through a historical and comparative overview of their evolution within language-culture didactics as well as in language certification tests, I will show how some of the skills that underlie the ability to translate would benefit from being rethought within a social constructivist framework by these two traditions. Finally, I will present the Positional Case Study for Second Language Appropriation, a reading and writing exercise that stimulates reflexivity by taking into account the cognitive, social, and affective dimensions that may come into play when receiving written or oral information.