Grammar translation teaching method

Grammar translation teaching method

 

 

The grammar-translation method Is the oldest method of teaching a language. It is based on the classical approach that foreign language can be best learned through grammar and translation. It is the most popular method of teaching English in our schools. According to Wyatt, it is based on three principles:

• English words and phrases can be best-interpreted in translation into the mother tongue.

• The structure of a foreign language is best learned when compared and contrasted with that of the mother tongue.

• Grammar and translation help the learner in the written work of the target language.

Advantages of the G-T method:


Any easy method:


It is considered an easy method. Teaching proceeds from the known to the unknown. The use of the mother tongue makes learning easier. It helps the students to learn new vocabulary through translation. It also helps the teacher to explain the meanings easily. English grammar can be easily understood concerning the mother tongue. A teacher needs no particular training to teach through this method. He needs only be a good vocabulary and a working knowledge of grammar.


Time-saving:


Because this method is easy, it is the time of the teacher and the students. Grammar rules can be directly taught without using examples and without deducing rules from the student. Thus, a teacher can finish his course in time. A student can learn March in a limited time. He can have time to revise his course.


Simple and cheaper:


This method is simple because with the help of a good vocabulary and grammar rules. We can teach English to the class. It is cheaper because no audio-visual aids are needed in this method. We can give the equivalent open English word for in in the tongue. So, we need no models’ hot pictures.


Suitable for large classes:


This is the most suitable method for teaching English to large classes. In a large class, a teacher cannot involve every student in the learning process. Throughout this method, he can explain rules, give the required vocabulary, and ask the students to work on their own.


Suitable for teaching reading and writing:


This method is more effective in teaching reading and writing. Learning grammar rules and practice in Translation improve the reading ability of a student. This can also help him in writing correct English.


Disadvantages of this method:


Old method:


It is an old method. It does not take into consideration the ever-new changes that take place in a living language. Memorizing dry grammar rules and translating passages can be done and boring. According to Palmer,

The methods of teaching languages should be e plastic and adaptable as life is restless and variable.

Unnatural:

A language is a speech. It is natural for a child to learn first how to listen and how to speak; he learns to read and write much later. But in this method language learning starts with reading and then writing. This order of learning skills is unnatural.


Communicative skills neglected:


We learn a language to communicate with each other. As such listening and speaking skills are very important in language learning. But this method completely neglects these skills. The learner’s role is passive. He does not take part in learning a language.


Translation habit:


In this method, translation habit is so confirmed that the student does not develop the habit of directly thinking in English. Moreover, certain expressions cannot be translated into another tongue. This hinders fluency he cannot speak fluently.

Grammar translation techniques:


The techniques of the grammar-translation method are described as follows;

1. Translating target language to native language.

2. Reading comprehension questions.

3. Antonyms/synonyms

4. Detective application of the rule.

5. Fill in the blanks.

6. Memorizing vocabulary lists, grammatical rules, and grammatical paradigms.

7. Use words in sentences.

8. Composition.

9. Cognates.


Features of grammar-translation method:


The features of the grammar-translation method are described as follows;

1. Much vocabulary is taught in the form of lists of isolated words or textbooks.

2. Grammar provides the rules for putting words together and instruction often focuses on the form and inflection of words.

3. Reading of difficult classical texts is begun early.

4. Little attention is paid to the content of tests.

5. Little attention is paid to punctuation.

6. Reading and writing are the major focuses little or no Systematic attention is paid; to speaking or listening.

7. Grammar is deductive.

8. Student's native language is the medium of instruction. It is used to explain new items and to enable comparison to be made the foreign language and the student’s native language

9. This sentence is the basic unit of teaching and language practice.

10. Accuracy is emphasized. Students are expected to attain high standards in translation.


Conclusion:


Modern language teaching experts would be quick to say that this is an effective language teaching method and fewer would dare to try and assert that it results in any kind of communicative competence. As Richards and Rogers state;

"It is a method for which there is no theory. No literature offers a rationale for justification for it that attempts to relate it to issue in linguistics psychology are educational theory".

And yet the grammar-translation method is common in many countries, even popular.