Translating Modal Verbs: An Effective Way to Teach EFL Learners

Abstract

Modal verbs not only change the mood of the speaker but can also change the tone and the formality. However, full acquisition of the various modal verbs was often difficult with the grammar exercises and tests where repetition could not embrace all the various uses and functions of the modal verbs. Thus, this research aimed to find out whether translating task could be an alternative way to teach the learners. Students’ modal verb test, translation task, and survey were used as the data. Findings revealed that students found it difficult to understand the various meanings of ‘could’ and ‘should’ when translation task was given in contrast to the conventional gap filling quiz. Discrepancies were found among the two modal verbs and the data showed that translation task could be more effective in teaching especially the low performing students. Students’ post-test survey also indicated that the lower the score was, the more they felt the need of the translation task for long-term acquisition of the modal verbs.