Revendo a função da tradução na sala de aula

Résumé

This article discusses the use of translation as a potential tool of learning foreign languages (LEs). In order to develop the methodological discussion, it is treated separated from the professional translation. In the point of view of the pedagogic translation, it analyzes the characteristics of the translation as an innate ability of the human and its natural and spontaneous engagement in the class room. It discusses the critics about translation and it presents some example of its use as a tool in order to show the positive characteristics. It is concluded, therefore, translation may be more actively employed to promote the cognitive activity of the LE learners.