The learner's opinions on using translation in teaching Turkish as a foreign language

It is considered that language is essential for communication between people. On the other hand, translation is unavoidable in the environments where there are different languages being spoken or used. However, it has been made an effort not to use translation in language environments for a long time. The biggest underlying reason for not using translation activities in language classrooms might be its direct and unquestionable relation to Grammar-Translation Method, which focuses on only grammar rules and memorization. Although it is thought that Grammar-Translation Method dated back to very old times, the practices which promote the use of the learners' mother tongue and translation activities as a pedagogical tool have been reconsidered and reassessed in language environments during recent years. Moreover, the concept of translation as a fifth skill has emerged as well as the four basic language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Recent studies show that it is significant to use mother tongue and translation focused activities as an educational tool from time to time in language classrooms to foster and enhance learning, perform the internalized knowledge, lessen the students' anxiety level, determine the problems, have success in central examinations and so on. With this study, the function of translation in modern language education is questioned. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the opinions on mother tongue and translation of the students who have been learning Turkish as a foreign language. The findings of the study indicate that the students who learn Turkish as a foreign language have a positive attitude towards the use of mother tongue and translation in language environments.