THE GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD

 THE GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD

The grammar-translation method is a method of teaching foreign languages derived from the classical (sometimes called traditional) method of teaching Greek and Latin. In grammar-translation classes, students learn grammatical rules and then apply those rules by translating sentences between the target language and their native language. Advanced students may be required to translate whole texts word-for-word

There are two main goals to grammar-translation classes. One is to develop students’ reading ability to a level where they can read literature in the target language. The other is to develop students’ general mental discipline. The users of foreign language wanted simply to note things of their interest in the literature of foreign languages. Therefore, this method focuses on reading and writing and has developed techniques which facilitate more or less the learning of reading and writing only. As a result, speaking and listening are overlooked.

Grammar-translation classes are usually conducted in the students’ native language. Grammar rules are learned deductively; students learn grammar rules by rote, and then practice the rules by doing grammar drills and translating sentences to and from the target language. More attention is paid to the form of the sentences being translated than to their content. When students reach more advanced levels of achievement, they may translate entire texts from the target language. Tests often consist of the translation of classical texts.

There is not usually any listening or speaking practice, and very little attention is placed on pronunciation or any communicative aspects of the language. The skill exercised is reading, and then only in the context of translation.

The Grammar Translation method embraces a wide range of approaches but, broadly speaking, foreign language study is seen as a mental discipline, the goal of which may be to read literature in its original form or simply to be a form of intellectual development. The basic approach is to analyze and study the grammatical rules of the language, usually in an order roughly matching the traditional order of the grammar of Latin, and then to practise manipulating grammatical structures through the means of translation both into and from the mother tongue.

The method is very much based on the written word and texts are widely in evidence. A typical approach would be to present the rules of a particular item of grammar, illustrate its use by including the item several times in a text, and practice using the item through writing sentences and translating it into the mother tongue. The text is often accompanied by a vocabulary list consisting of new lexical items used in the text together with the mother tongue translation. Accurate use of language items is central to this approach.

Generally speaking, the medium of instruction is the mother tongue, which is used to explain conceptual problems and to discuss the use of a particular grammatical structure. It all sounds rather dull but it can be argued that the Grammar Translation method has over the years had a remarkable success. Millions of people have successfully learnt foreign languages to a high degree of proficiency and, in numerous cases, without any contact whatsoever with native speakers of the language (as was the case in the former Soviet Union, for example).

LEVEL          : Senior High school

SKILL            : Reading and Writing

Reading and writing are emphasized in a Grammar-Translation classroom, little or no systematic attention is paid to speaking and listening, because literary language is considered superior to spoken language. Therefore, the language learners should study written language. The focus on understanding literary texts provides the situation in which reading and writing abilities are well trained.

PROCEDURES OF GRAMMAR TRANSLATION METHOD

Language teachers may develop their own procedures as long as they are in accordance with the characteristics of the GTM. The following procedure of teaching the target language through the GTM is adapted from Larsen-Freeman (2000: 15-17).

1.           The class reads a text written in the target language.

2.           Students translate the passage from the target language to their mother tongue.

3.           The teacher asks students in their native language if they have any questions, students ask questions and the teacher answers the questions in their native language.

4.           Students write out the answers to reading comprehension questions.

5.           Students translate new words from the target language to their mother tongue.

6.           Students are given a grammar rule and based on the example they apply the rule by using the new words.

7.           Students memorize vocabulary.

8.           The teacher asks students to state the grammar rule.

9.           Students memorize the rule.

10.         Errors are corrected by providing the right answers.

THE STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES OF THE GRAMMAR-TRANSLATION METHOD

Ø  The strength of The Grammar-Translation Method

1.      The phraseology of the target language is quickly explained. Translation is the easiest way of explaining meanings or words and phrases from one language into another.

2.      Student will be able to master the appropriate structures of a language and mistakes made by them in applying speaking ability will not be that much.

3.      An effective way for application of grammar and sentence structure.

Ø  The Weaknesses Of Grammar Translation Method

                       1.          Language is seen as a collection or words which are isolated and independent. So, students themselves are not seemingly able to produce sentences.

                       2.          Bad effect of this method is on pupil's motivation. Because she or he cannot succeed in learning the difficult grammar rules of the target language. That leads to the boredom in the classroom.

                       3.          Students cannot master all of four skills of English (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).

                       4.          The grammar-translation method is the easiest for a teacher to employ. It doesn't require a teacher to speak good English or make good lesson preparations. So, his knowledge might be lost into in oblivion.

CONCLUSION

As its name suggests, the major characteristic of the GTM is a focus on learning the rules of grammar and their application in translation passages from one language into the other.   The GTM is simply a combination of the Grammar Method and the Translation Method. The main principles of the method are as follows: The grammar taught is formal grammar. Vocabulary in the target language is learned through direct translation from the native language. The vocabulary depends on the texts selected. The teaching begins with rules, isolated vocabulary items, paradigms and translation. Easy classics are then translated. Vocabulary is divided into lists of words. The words are to be memorized. Pronunciation is not taught. Grammar rules are also memorized as units and illustrative sentences are often provided.

The GTM has produced generations of students who can master the grammar of the target language, yet can not engage in simple conversations. Even though the method is believed to be ineffective to teach the target language communicatively, the method is still in use in some parts of Indonesia. It is believed that the method can develop students' writing skill. For students who respond well to rules, structures, and error correction, the GTM can provide a challenging learning process but for those students who do not respond well to such a learning process, the language class taught through this method may be boring.   However, combining the principles of the GTM with the Communicative Approach may well be the perfect combination for many language learners. They will learn to communicate in the target language and also acquire a sound and accurate basis in the grammar of the target language.

REFERENCES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammar_translation#Method

http://www.onestopenglish.com/support/methodology/teaching-approaches/teaching-approaches-the-grammar-translation-method/146493.article

http://www.scribd.com/doc/43944078/Weaknesses-of-Grammar-Translation-Method