Grammar-translation

Daniel Medrano&

Jessica Rodriguez

History of Grammar-Translation

Dates back to Erasmus 1466-1536

Originally used to teach Latin and Greek in the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Grammar-Translation Method

traditional method of second language teaching in schools

Most common language teaching method

Stressed the literacy development Method is two-fold Teacher centered

Characteristics of Grammar-Translation

Learners need grammar and vocabulary

Taught deductively Learned for passing English written

Exams Extensive memorization of

Rules Grammatical paradigms Verb conjugations

Teacher’s Role

Requires little training

Control of classroom

Follows text book format

Little interaction with students

Student’s Role

memorize vocabulary verb declensions learn rules of grammar take dictation translate written passages Right answers are expected Little interaction with teachers and

other students

Techniques

Translation of literary passage Reading comprehension questions Use of antonyms/synonyms Use of cognates Deductive application of a rule Fill-in-the-blanks Memorization Use words in sentences; and composition

Advantages

Easiest for teachers to use Does not require teachers to speak good

English or make good lesson preparations. Only uses the textbook Least stressful for students-teaching

occurs in the first language Students learn the new language without

contact with native speakers.

Disadvantages

Students lack comprehension-only translating word-for-word

Does not allow students to create meaning in English

Students do not learn to read. Extensive memorization Very little student/teacher and

student/student interaction

Current Application

Used with other methods such as Direct Method Audio-lingual Silent Way Total Physical Response

Preferred by international student because they are used to rigid educational systems.

Used in many Asian countries Used in higher educational institutions

Lesson

Translate the following into English onyour own paper.

Wie sagt man auf deutsch:

Yo quiero comer comida de perro.

Wure es dhe baurum?

References for PPT:

Richard-Amato, Patricia A. (2003). Making It Happen: From Interactive to Participatory Language Teaching. (3rd Edition), Longman, White Plains, New York.

Thuleen, Nancy. “The Grammar-Translation Method.” Website Article. 24 October 1996.<http.//www.nthuleen.com/papers/720reprot.html>

Brown, H.D (1994). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (3rd edition). Anglewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Prentice Hall.

Richards, J.C. and T.S. Rodgers. (1986). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.

http://www.esperatnic.org/esf/f-r3.htm www.ncela.gwu.edu/