GTM method
- 3. Grammar Translation Method is the method in which students translate foreign language into native language in order to understand the text.
- 4. According to Mackey, “GTM is the simple combination of the activities of grammar and translation.”
- 5. Introduction *Grammar Translation Method is the method of teaching of foreign language through learners’ mother tongue. They are taught to translate from native language to the target language. Learners learn grammar deductively and memorize native language equivalently for the target of language vocabulary.
- 6. *Harmer (2007:63) said that whatever the teachers teach and the students learn about the target language, they reflect the target language to their mother tongue * Vocabulary and grammar are emphasized as well as emphases is on reading and writing skills.
- 7. Historical background The grammar translation method(GTM) is a foreign language teaching method derived from the classical method of learning Latin and Greek.it is known in the united states a “Prussian Method.” The method also dominated foreign language teaching in Europe and other western countries from 1840-1940. This method was used to teach dead languages.
- 8. Objective. The primary purpose of the GTM was: “To explore the depth of great literature.” (Karl Plotz 1931) * Helping the students to understand their native language
- 9. Principles *Translation into mother tongue is the best way to understand the linguistic patterns of English language *The structure of a foreign language is best learnt when compared and contrasted with learners’ mother tongue. *Learning grammar rules help in understanding the written work of the target(foreign) language. *A fundamental purpose of learning a foreign language is to be able to read its literature. *The goal for students is to be able to translate each language into the other. Learning is facilitated through giving attention to similarities between the target and native language. *Deducted application of an explicit grammar rule is a useful pedagogical technique
- 10. Merits of GTM *Words phrases of target language are quickly explained. *It stresses on acquiring correct grammar. *It makes language learning easier. *Cultural awareness through the other language. *It increases vocabulary. *Grammar provides rules for putting words together.
- 11. Demerits of GTM *It is unnatural method of learning language skills because it ignores the normal order of learning i.e listening, speaking, reading and writing. *Communication skills are neglected. *Exact translation in the target language is not possible. *Worst effect on student’s motivation. *No accuracy is present *Passive role of learners.
- 12. Why still in use? *Brown(1994) is of the view that GTM requires a few specialized skills on the part of the teacher. It works in a better way with large classes especially in developing and under developing countries. *Grammar rules and translation tests are easy to conduct.
- 13. Criticism *This method often creates frustration for students by a tedious experience of memorizing endless list of unusable grammar rules and vocabulary. *This method pay little attention to the students.
- 14. Conclusion This method was devised to teach dead language. It is important to keep in mind that there is no wrong with any method rather judicious use of any method maters a lot. Grammar translation method can proved beneficial if adopted with more flexible and conductive methodology.
- 15. References *Richards and Rodgers.(1986). Approaches and methods in language teaching. *Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching * David Nunan, Practical English language teaching