ENGL ED 504

APPLIED LINGUISTICS
THE GRAMMAR TRANSLATION
METHOD
I. Definition of GTM
II. Elements of GTM
III. Goals/Objectives of GTM
IV. Characteristics of GTM
V. Approaches of GTM
VI. Design of GTM
VII. Techniques/procedures of GTM
VIII.Advantages and Disadvantages of GTM
Definition of gtm

 Also known as the Classical Method, the Traditional Method, the Prussian Method.

 The focus is on the study of the target language grammar, vocabulary and ultimately the translation
of native language texts or sentences into target language.
Elements of gtm

 Textbooks

 Grammar

 Vocabulary

 Practice
Goals/objectives of gtm

 To enable students to read and translate literature written in the source language.

 To develop students’ general intellectual discipline.

Characteristics of gtm

 Classes are taught in MTL, with little use of the target language.

 Much vocabulary is taught in the form of isolated words.

 Long elaborate explanation is taught in the form of isolated words.

 Instruction focuses on the form and inflection of words.

 Reading of classical texts is begun early.

 Little attention is paid to the content of text.

 The only drills are drills in translating disconnected sentences from the TL into the MTL.

 Little or no attention is given to pronunciation.

Approaches of gtm

 The Theory of Language

 The Theory of Learning

Design of gtm

 Objectives

 Syllabus

 Teacher Role

 Learner Role

 The Role of Teaching/Learning Material

Techniques/procedures of gtm

 Presentation of grammatical rule

 List of vocabulary

 Translation exercises
advantages

 Teaching takes less effort and time.

 Enhance their ability to understand the meaning of words and complicated sentences.

 Increases the student’s reading and writing skills.

 Enables the students to understand how MTL functions.

 Provides the students with good mental exercise.

 The teacher does not need necessarily to be fluent in the TL.

 Helps the students to learn the best forms of language.

 Enables the students to learn the correct grammar of the TL.

disadvantages

 Does not focus on communicative aspects.

 Little attention is placed on pronunciation.

 More attention is paid to the form of the sentences being translated.

 The reading skill is exercised over and over.

 Test often consist of the translation.

 Inability for the learners to use language for communication purposes.

How is Grammar Translation Method
Implelemented in the Classroom?
 What are the grammar
translation method activities?
The direct method

I. Definition of DM
II. Aims of DM
III. Principles of DM
IV. Advantages and Disadvantages of DM
V. Approaches/Techniques of DM
Definition of dm

 English is taught through English.

 The learner learns the TL through discussions, conversations, and readings on the L2.
Aim of dm

 The intervention of the MTL is done away with the learner understands what he reads or hears in
the L2 or FL without thinking of the MTL equivalence.
Principles of dm

 Oral training

 Inhibition of the MTL

 Sentence is the unit of speech

 Inductive teaching of grammar

Procedures of dm

 Never translate: demonstrate

 Never explain: act
 Never make speech: ask questions
 Never speak with single words: use sentences
 Never speak too much: make students speak much
 Never use the book: use your lesson plan
 Never jump around: follow your plan
 Never go too fast: keep the pace of the students
 Never speak too fast/quick: speak normally
 Never speak too loud: speak normally
 Never be impatient: take it easy
advantages

 It is a natural method.

 No gap between active and passive vocabulary.

 This method is based on sound principles of education.

disadvantages

 Does not take into account all aspects of language teaching.

 Not comprehensive
Approaches/techniques of dm

 Example proliferation

 Visual support

 Listening activities

 Oral exercises and tasks

 Stress Free and supportive environment

 comparison

gtm dm
1. Maintains close association 1. Avoids close association
between FL and MTL. between FL and MTL.
2. Lays emphasis on speech. 2. Lays emphasis on speech.
3. Follows the adult’s natural 3. Follows the child’s natural
way of learning a language. way of learning.
4. Teaches the language by 4. Teaches the language by
RULE and not by use. USE and not by rule.
5. Teaches formal grammar 5. Does not favour the
from the very beginning. teaching of formal grammar
at the early age.