Is translation a good way to learn a language?

[destinii winborne]

My Spanish teacher often gives us translations to the words she teaches us, and, although people can actually "learn" a language that way, I don't want to rely on quickly translating English to Spanish in my head; it doesn't feel natural, like I'm at a disadvantage. I'd rather learn in the same way a native speaker does. Is this a good idea?

[Isaac]

I don't quite understand what you mean by "I'd rather learn in the same way a native speaker does. " but, I can give you some advice on how you can learn the language better.

When I first started learning Japanese(different language but same concept), I went through the same steps you mentioned. I would get a Japanese word, find out what it meant and translated into in English, then memorize it. It was tough, but as I got into it, I got into Japanese songs as well. I started listening to lots and lots of Japanese songs, getting the lyrics in Japanese, perfecting the entire song.

Then I got into Japanese anime, Japanese drama and their variety shows on Youtube. I started watching them, reading the subtitles on those shows, not reading them on and off to see if I got the meaning right. It progressed to Japanese comics in the original language, I didn't even need English translations anymore, and whenever I came across words I didn't understand, there would be a dictionary nearby.

Basically, familiarize yourself with the language. Listen to Spanish songs, watch a few Spanish shows here and there if you've got the time. Read some Spanish books. It doesn't matter if you don't understand all of it, or even most of it. Pronounce the words out loud or in your head. Always fill yourself with the language. Drown yourself in it if you really want to get good at it.

Do all that and continue on with your translations. Listen to your teacher in class, follow her teachings as well.

You can do it. Good luck!

[ICAL TEFL]

In my opinion - and the opinion of many, many linguists - you are correct. Your teacher is using what is called grammar-translation which is an old fashioned method of teaching which has been widely discontinued in most schools. It does work, but it is not the best way to learn; it is rather rigid and you are right that it is not natural.

What is preferred these days is a more communicative and natural approach. That is dealing only in the target language and learning it like a child learns their first language.

[Carissa]

Is this a class for school or a you wanted to learn Spanish so you're taking a class?

If it is for school you will have to do what your teacher asks, regardless of your learning style. I know it may be harder, but that's probably how her tests will be as well.

Technically, you're right. You don't want to think milk and then translate to leche. You want to think of a glass of milk and then think of leche. When you make flashcards you should avoid English to Spanish. Use pictures to Spanish, or descriptions in Spanish

Instead of

correr-to run try correr- como caminar pero rapido OR Usain bolt

That way your brain will already be thinking in Spanish

I have a list of English reading materials here: http://www.wegivebooks.org/books/llama-l...ish/reader

Get used to reading (follow Spanish speakers on twitter, listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies etc.)

Best of luck!