Abstract
This paper is an attempt to rethink both the place and the role of the translation as a means of foreign language teaching optimization. Related to this, a distinctive line between the professional translation competences and the competences, obtained in result of teaching/studying translation, has been drawn.
The types of competences (linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic) and the activities (receptive, productive, interactive, and mediating) outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages have been used as a starting point for consideration. Based on them the advantages and opportunities of applying the translation in the overall educational process have been spotted.