Abstract This article begins by defining translation and discussing its use in language education. It then presents a case study of an EFL listening and speaking course taught at a Chinese university that incorporates communicative translation activities, including vocabulary exercises, group presentations, and role-playing. The article concludes by reflecting on the experience of teaching the course and the lessons learnt. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of the relationship between translation and language teaching/learning and to suggest practical applications of this understanding for teachers in diverse educational settings.