In teaching second languages, is it more useful that the learners write meaning of each word in their mother language or transliteration?or neither?

I think we should let them describe the definition of a word, an object, an action etc in English.

 

So, instead of writing the meaning of the word "apple" in their1st language, they should try describing it in English (its color, its shape, is there an apple with a yellow color, is it grown in their native country...etc).

 

I think this will also help them improve their analytical skills, so2 birds with one stone.

its important for learner to communicate meaning in his/her mother tongue as well to write it

this would be useful if you are giving a translating course but if you are teaching English I would better use simple words they do have in their vocabulary .using mimic .

 

hope its useful

regards

I feel that learners should write the meanings in simple English instead of writing in their vernacular language.

I'd rather they did not, but use them in simple phrases that are relevant to the chapter or subject they are studying. Transliteration will only teach them to rely on their mother tongue, hence they will not acquire the language as they should.

It is generally not recommended to translate words into your mother tongue. Students should try to write short explanations in the same language that they are learning. You want your students to start thinking in the foreign language. By translating all the time, students are 'torn' between two languages and you want them to completely switch to a foreign one. This is especially important for beginners. Advanced students are fine with translating in their mother tongue.