The Grammar-

Translation
Method

Dr. Hamdy Ahmad

 The Grammar-Translation Method

It was called the Classical Method because it was first used in

the teaching of the classical languages, Latin and Greek.

Purpose of learning a FL is to be able to read its literature.

To do this, SS need to learn about the gram. rules and

vocab. of TL
 The Grammar-Translation Method

The role of T is v. traditional. He is an authority in the

classroom.

The characteristics of the T / L process

Translating from one language to another.

 The Grammar-Translation Method

Learning verb conjugations and memorizing language

equivalents for FL vocab. items

Most of the interaction in the classroom is from T to SS.

Literary language is considered superior to spoken, Language.

 The Grammar-Translation Method

Vocab. and gram.are emphasized.

Reading and writing are the primary skills SS work on.

Pronunciation receives little, if any, attention.

 The Grammar-Translation Method

SS’MT is mostly used in class for communication.

The meaning of the FL is made clear by translating it into the

SS’ MT.

Written tests are often used to translate from SS’ MT to TL or

vice versa.
 The Grammar-Translation Method

SS’MT is mostly used in class for communication.

The meaning of the FL is made clear by translating it into the

SS’ MT.
Written tests are often used to translate from SS’ MT to TL or
vice versa.

It is v. important that SS get the correct answer if they make

errors or do not know the answer.
 The techniques are as
follows:

Translation of a literary passage: from TL into MT.

Vocab. and gram. structures contained in the passage are

studied in subsequent lessons.

Reading comprehension questions:

Literal – Inferential - Opinion
 The techniques are as
follows:
Fill –in the – blanks :
SS are required to fill in blanks with new vocab. items or gram.
rules.

Antonyms and synonyms :

SS are given a set of words and asked to find antonyms and
synonyms in the reading text.

Using words in sentences and writing about the topic of the

reading passage.
 Advantages of the method :

Translation reveals whether this FL has been

correctly understood.

It also fixes the foreign expressions in the student's

mind better than any other method.
 Limitations of this method :

Although SS are able to produce grammatically correct

sentences, these sentences may not be appropriate or
meaningful in real life situations.

Less intellectual SS muddle through ,making many

mistakes over and over again thus building up
cumulative faults of inaccuracy which are difficult to
eradicate at a more advanced stage.
1. The Grammar –Translation Method was used to help SS appreciate FL
literature.( )
2. According to Grammar-Translation Method, the mental exercise of FL
learning would help SS grow intellectually.( )
3. According to The Grammar –Translation Method , spoken language is
superior to literary language.( )
4. 4. In the Grammar –Translation Method , successful language LL can
translate from one language into another.( )
5. 5. In the Grammar –Translation Method , the ability to communicate
in TL is not a goal of FL instruction.( )
6. In the Grammar –Translation Method , little attention is given to reading and
writing .( )
7. In the Grammar –Translation Method , it is possible to find MT equivalent for all
TL words.( )
8. According to the Grammar –Translation Method , explicit grammar instruction
is stressed. ( )
9. According to the Grammar –Translation Method, SS should be conscious of
grammar of TL.( )
10. According to the Grammar–Translation-Method, grammatical paradigms should
be committed to memory.( )
11. In the Grammar–Translation-Method , the role of the teacher is traditionally
authoritative.( )
12. In the Grammar–Translation-Method, pronunciation receives
attention right from the beginning of a course.( )
13. In the Grammar–Translation-Method , the use of MT is prohibited
in the class .( )
14. In the Grammar–Translation-Method, the more SS know about the
language, the better .( )
15 In the Grammar–Translation-Method, the more SS can use the
language, the better .( )
16 16.In the Grammar–Translation-Method , SS are evaluated by oral
interviews.( )
17.In the Grammar–Translation-Method , providing SS with the
correct answer is crucial.( )
18.In the Grammar–Translation-Method , SS are required to relate
the reading text to their own experience.( )
19.Memorizing grammar rules and verb conjugations are stressed in
the Grammar–Translation-Method .( )
20. Interaction in the Grammar–Translation-Method is
bidirectional.( )
1-The Grammar–Translation-Method , though
traditional , has some advantages. Discuss
highlighting its limitations.

2. Explain the techniques of the Grammar –

Translation Method.