Translating: A Tool for Fluency or a Crippling Crutch?

You Can Learn Chinese

Is translation a necessary tool or a crutch that slows down your Chinese fluency? In this episode, Jared Turner and John Pasden dive deep into the role of translation in language learning. They explore the history of the grammar-translation method, the rise of communicative language teaching, and how translation can both help and hinder your progress.

Drawing on their own experiences learning Chinese, they share practical insights on when and how to use translation effectively — from using Google Translate strategically to understanding why translating word-for-word isn't always a bad thing. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your Chinese, this episode will help you find a balanced approach to translation that boosts your confidence and accelerates your learning journey.

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