Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration

Abstract This research was undertaken against the backdrop of the realization—albeit with scanty empirical evidence—that trainee translators do not always possess the much-needed foreign language (FL) proficiency to excel in the profession upon graduation. The study describes how a semester-long gra...

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Main Authors: Chun Li, Kizito Tekwa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2025-04-01
Series:Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04766-3
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author Chun Li
Kizito Tekwa
author_facet Chun Li
Kizito Tekwa
author_sort Chun Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This research was undertaken against the backdrop of the realization—albeit with scanty empirical evidence—that trainee translators do not always possess the much-needed foreign language (FL) proficiency to excel in the profession upon graduation. The study describes how a semester-long graduate-level computer-assisted translation (CAT) course was designed to improve the FL proficiency of 19 trainees (12 female and 5 male), whose FL knowledge, or lack thereof, was determined using a pre-study questionnaire to gather data on perceived FL proficiency, years of FL learning, and number of pertinent courses taken. The CAT course, informed by the questionnaire findings, was grounded in the constructivist learning approach, which foregrounded self-regulated learning (SRL), peer collaboration, and scaffolded instructions and feedback. Based on data gathered from the trainees’ collaboratively translated texts, post-study questionnaire results, and SRL logs, it was found that the trainees’ grammar, writing, vocabulary, and delivery errors significantly reduced as they translated more content. These practical implications of the study’s findings are crucial for understanding of FL’s place in and successful incorporation into translation programs and course designs.
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spelling doaj-art-a406ced3e30c49b5af2b565ed815441c2025-08-20T03:08:05ZengSpringer NatureHumanities & Social Sciences Communications2662-99922025-04-0112111710.1057/s41599-025-04766-3Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaborationChun Li0Kizito Tekwa1Wuyi UniversityShenzhen Technology UniversityAbstract This research was undertaken against the backdrop of the realization—albeit with scanty empirical evidence—that trainee translators do not always possess the much-needed foreign language (FL) proficiency to excel in the profession upon graduation. The study describes how a semester-long graduate-level computer-assisted translation (CAT) course was designed to improve the FL proficiency of 19 trainees (12 female and 5 male), whose FL knowledge, or lack thereof, was determined using a pre-study questionnaire to gather data on perceived FL proficiency, years of FL learning, and number of pertinent courses taken. The CAT course, informed by the questionnaire findings, was grounded in the constructivist learning approach, which foregrounded self-regulated learning (SRL), peer collaboration, and scaffolded instructions and feedback. Based on data gathered from the trainees’ collaboratively translated texts, post-study questionnaire results, and SRL logs, it was found that the trainees’ grammar, writing, vocabulary, and delivery errors significantly reduced as they translated more content. These practical implications of the study’s findings are crucial for understanding of FL’s place in and successful incorporation into translation programs and course designs.https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04766-3
spellingShingle Chun Li
Kizito Tekwa
Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
title Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
title_full Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
title_fullStr Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
title_full_unstemmed Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
title_short Translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning: a self-regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
title_sort translation as a catalyst for foreign language learning a self regulated learning approach mediated by instructor feedback and peer collaboration
url https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04766-3
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AT kizitotekwa translationasacatalystforforeignlanguagelearningaselfregulatedlearningapproachmediatedbyinstructorfeedbackandpeercollaboration