Paper short abstract:

The present study investigated the effects of translating modern Japanese literature into English by non-native English speakers. The results of the above experiment reveal that utilization of such texts contributed to building students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the Japanese language.

Paper long abstract:

The present study investigated the effects of translating modern Japanese unabridged literature (short stories) in Japanese language classes into English by non-native English speakers (Bulgarian and Russian). The results of the above experiment revealed that utilization and translation of such texts into the English language contributed to building students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the Japanese language.

Bulgarian university students are given Japanese texts (unabridged short stories) to read and asked to translate those texts into English. The above task is an essential part of their Japanese language classes and they are referring to it as ‘normal’ Japanese language learning process. The students are not native speakers of English, although most of them have passed English language (CEFR level - C2) entrance exams in order to be enrolled in the University of Sofia, neither are they doing this in their specialized ‘Translation’ classes. Textbooks used offer both translation of the texts into English and grammar explanation as well as glossaries but only glossaries (explanations of unknown words) are given to the students for reference until their final translations are ready.

Meaningful discussions arise in the process and those give the students the answers and build invaluable skills when it comes to plurilingualism. Furthermore, we have an exchange student, whose first language is Russian and have to happily cope with this complex linguistic and cultural situation in every single class.

Since most of the students at Sofia University study abroad in Japan after their third year, they are encouraged to meet the authors of the texts (stories) in Japan and interview them (in Japanese or English). Thus, gaining Japanese language ability leads not only to a fulfilling and exciting understanding of the self competence but also to definite deepening of the openness to cultural otherness and respect.