Translation, like writing, creates less pressure than speaking. Since no one is watching, there’s room to hesitate or pause as you search for the perfect word to convey your exact meaning, even if it doesn’t immediately spring to mind. For all of these reasons and more, translation can be an effective way to learn in a stress-free environment.
Naturally, you may be wondering who will revise your text. The good news is that there is a simple “DIY” technique.
IT IS CALLED: REVERSE TRANSLATION
Step 1
Select an English text or dialogue that you find highly practical or particularly appealing. With the internet at your fingertips, you’re spoiled for choice, but you might also want to use material from your textbook.
Once you’ve chosen the text, it’s time to get down to business.
Start with just a few lines – one paragraph is enough.
Take a blank sheet of paper and translate the text into Spanish. Take your time to make an accurate translation. Now, set it aside for the time being.
Step 2
Return to it later or the following day and translate it back into English. Stay focused on your translation alone. If you don’t remember a certain word or phrase, leave a gap and keep going. Don’t let this frustrate you; it’s the overall process that counts.
Once you consider your job to be done to your best ability, compare it with the original text to identify any areas that need correction.
Reverse translation requires concentration and attention to detail, making it a highly valuable study technique. Plus, it’s hands-on and enjoyable.
I include here some samples to get you started
Intermediate:
· Text: Changes in town
· Dialogue: Comic Strip. (Unscramble and correct first)
Advanced:
· Text: London Notting Hill Carnival
· Chunks: If you find a whole text intimidating though, you can also use reverse translation with what we call in teaching jargon “chunks*”. The same philosophy but easier to address than a text.
*Definition from the British Council website
Chunks selected from
READY FOR ADVANCED: ONE COOL GUY (page 7):
| Step 1: choose chunks | Step 2: translate + fold so that the chunks are out of sight | Step 3: translate back into English + self-correct |
|
Chunk |
My translation |
Reverse translation |
| Shape the climate change debate | Dar forma al debate del cambio climático | |
|
To say the least |
Cuando menos |
|
| Raise awareness of | Concienciar de | |
|
Admit defeat |
Admitir la derrota |
|
| Give sb a platform to | Dar a alguien voz/un espacio (público) | |
|
The warmest on record |
El más cálido del que se tenga constancia |
|
|
Have impeccable manners |
Tener unos modales impecables
Thanks for reading! |
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