Negotiated procedure DGT/2012/TLL

A Study on Translation and Language Learning: an analysis of translation as a method of language learning in primary, secondary and higher education

The purpose of the study is to carry out an analysis of translation as a method of language learning in primary, secondary and higher education. The study should look into if and how translation is part of language learning in the school curricula of the Member States and how translation could improve language learning. Translation was used in language learning up to the 1960s and the 1970s, when it almost vanished from the classrooms. Translation was negatively associated with a teacher-centred approach, a focus on grammar and exclusion of other aspects of the language, disregarding communication skills and hence demotivating the students. However, in recent years translation has been regaining ground as a method of language learning. Today the focus is not so much on whether translation has a place in language teaching, but on how to make use of it in the best way. Surveys show that students now identify translation as one of the exercises most conducive to language learning.

The deadline for submitting a tender will be 17 August 2012.

This communication is addressed to potentially interested parties, who can, no later than
28 June 2012, notify their interest in receiving the tender documents via e-mail to the
following address: DGT-ML-STUDIES@ec.europa.eu.