Is actively translating bad for learning?

[chileno]

Originally Posted by poli

That depends on you definition of fluency. If fluent means speaking in a natural generally unhesitant flow, then I am fluent, but I don't pretend to have mastered Spanish to the same extent as my native language.

I haven't mastered Spanish, much less English and to tell you the truth, I don't want to become a linguist.

As you can see, I am a true ignorant.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by chileno

As you can see, I am a true ignoramus.

Ignorant can only be used as an adjective in English.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Ignorant can only be used as an adjective in English.

Thanks.

[luis magistrado]

hello,
In my case my native language is bicol ( a dialect in the Philippines distinct from tagalog). I first started learning english by translating it to my native tongue. Now I am learning spanish by translating the language into english.( and you guys have been a great help) I think every learner begins by translating first. All other methods will be effective only if one acquires the minimum vocabulary and basic rules of grammar.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by luis magistrado

hello,
In my case my native language is bicol ( a dialect in the Philippines distinct from tagalog). I first started learning english by translating it to my native tongue. Now I am learning spanish by translating the language into english.( and you guys have been a great help) I think every learner begins by translating first. All other methods will be effective only if one acquires the minimum vocabulary and basic rules of grammar.

You didn't need any grammar basic rules to speak your native language. Keep that in mind.

Having said that, you do have an education, whatever that might be. Keep that in mind too.

[luis magistrado]

ok. I did not make myself clear. What i meant was " learning a foreign language" not native language. A learner of foreign language begins by translating.

[chileno]

Originally Posted by luis magistrado

ok. I did not make myself clear. What i meant was " learning a foreign language" not native language. A learner of foreign language begins by translating.

And, should keep translating until the foreign language presents no problem.

You see, if you do like I recommend you will arrive at a time in which you will be able to concoct whole sentences "without" thinking and not be able to explain why you chose that particular construction.