Innovation in Language Learning

Mind mapping is one of the most effective techniques used to help students to present information in a visualized form. It is based on the fundamental principles of a human’s brain functioning. When making both cerebral hemispheres work it combines processing verbal and logical information with visual information simultaneously. Translators have to deal with a huge volume of information therefore they need to know tools to process it. Mind mapping can be used in translator training in both theoretical and practical courses.

When studying the theory of translation mind mapping technique helps students to better understand and learn basic concepts, ideas, terms, classifications of translation techniques, etc. Mind maps are easy to review that is helpful when reading for tests and examinations. Both individual and group tasks are offered. To create a mind map students use such software as coggle.it, Mindjet, XMind, and others. These tools provide instruments to incorporate words, colorful images, and numbers to make the result memorable and enjoyable.

Mind mapping technique is also employed in translation practice. Students use mind mapping when analyzing a text they are to translate. They present main ideas, key words and terms in their interconnections. Thus mind mapping helps to understand the text better and generate new ideas of how to translate it in the best way possible. The team work on creating a mind map to present main ideas of a text and divide it into logical parts is useful to teach translators-to-be how to collaborate.

According to a survey 87% of students who were taught how to use mind mapping in their translation classes find this activity helpful and motivating, and 80% of them are going use it regularly in their study and work.