THE GRAMMAR- TRANSLATION

METHOD
#2nd lec

GTM

INTRODUCTION

The grammar- translation method of

foreign language teaching is one of the
most traditional methods.
It was originally used to teach dead
languages (and literatures) such as
Latin and Greek, involving little or no
spoken communication or listening
comprehension.

Goal
To read and translate literary
masterpieces and classics.

CHARACTERISTICS

A focus on learning the rules of

grammar and their application in
translation passages from one
language into the other
Vocabulary in the target language is
learned through direct translation from
the native language. e.g.
the house = la casa
the mouse = el ratn

Readings in the target language are

translated directly and then discussed in
the native language.

Grammar is taught with extensive

explanations in the native language, and
only later applied in the production of
sentences through translation from one
language to the other. e.g:
Do you have my book? =
.
I dont know where your book is =
.

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to read literature

written in the target language

Students will be able to translate from

one language to another

It Helps students to develop reading

and writing skill

To help students read and appreciate

foreign language literature

Students can become more familiar

with the grammar of their native
language

Helpful for mental exercise

PRINCIP
LES

PRINCIPLES

Literary language is superior to the

spoken language. Students study
literature and fine arts.
Translating each language into each
other is an important goal for learners.
The authority in the classroom is the
teacher.
The ability to communicate with the
target language is not among the goals
of instruction.

PRINCIPLES

The primary skills to be

improved are reading and
writing.
Its focus is on accuracy (grammatical
correctness) and not fluency.
Ss should be conscious of the
grammatical rule of the target
language.

TECHNIQUES

1. Translation of a literary passage

Students will be asked to read a literary

passage and then translate the target

language into their native language
Translation may be written or spoken
Translation made by the students can show
that they understand their meaning

Reading comprehension questions

Students answer these questions in the

target language
Answers to the questions may be:
Contained in
the text

inferred

Related to
experience

Antonyms / synonyms
Students are asked to find antonyms in the

reading passage or, to define a set of

words based on their understanding of
them as they occur in the reading passage

Deductive application of rule

It is important for students to learn about

the forms(grammar rules) of the target

language
Grammar rules are presented with
examples
Students are asked to apply the rules on
examples they are given

Fill in the blank

Teacher give students sentences with word

missing.
Students should fill in the blanks with the
new vocabulary or with a particular
grammar type

Memorization
Students are asked to memorize new

words, grammatical rules, and verb

conjugation

Use the words in sentences

Students are asked to make up sentences

with the new words they learn in the text

This technique can show whether students
really understand the new words

Composition
Students are asked to write a composition

in the target language

The topic is based on some aspect of the
reading passage

Advantages and disadvantages

ADVANTAGES

An effective way for application of

grammar and sentence structure
Least stressful for students as they use
their native language.

DISADVANTAGES

Wrong idea of what language is.

Unnatural method. It starts with the teaching of
reading not listening.
Speech is neglected as it lays emphasis on
reading and writing.
It does not give pattern practice.
Less learners motivation

Create frustration for learners